Bulimia nervosa
Recurrent binge eating with inappropriate compensatory behaviors, at least weekly for 3 months.
How it presents
binge eating (large amount, sense of loss of control) + compensatory behaviors (self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise), ≥1x/week, self-evaluation unduly influenced by weight/shape
Tell it apart from
- Anorexia nervosa binge/purge type
- Binge-eating disorder
Treatment reasoning
CBT-E (enhanced), interpersonal therapy; fluoxetine (FDA-approved); address electrolyte/medical risks of purging.