Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, and self-evaluation that is significantly influenced by body shape and weight.
Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both
of the following:
2
-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.
The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviours both occur, on average, at least once a week
for 3
months.
Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.
Specify if:
Specify if: The minimum level of severity is based on the frequency of inappropriate compensatory behaviours (see below). The level of severity may be increased to reflect other symptoms and the degree of functional disability.
1 to 3
episodes of inappropriate compensatory behaviours per week.4 to 7
episodes of inappropriate compensatory behaviours per week.8 to 13
episodes of inappropriate compensatory behaviours per week.14
or more episodes of inappropriate compensatory behaviours per week.Name | Rater | Description | Download |
---|---|---|---|
Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) | Patient | A 22-item self-report scale for individuals between 13 to 65 years old that screens for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. | Link |
3
months.[14]Various laboratory abnormalities can be present:[18]
Thus, standard investigations include:
Various forms of psychotherapy have been found to be effective for treatment of bulimia, including:[20][21]
Guideline | Location | Year | Website | |
---|---|---|---|---|
International Comparison (Curr Opin Psychiatry) | International | 2017 | - | Link |
Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines (Children and Adolescents) | Canada | 2020 | - | Link |
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) | UK | 2017 | - | Link |
American Psychiatric Association (APA) | USA | 2006, 2012 | - | • Guideline (2006) • Guideline Watch (2012) • Quick Reference |