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Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a significant public health concern and a complex eating disorder recognized in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is one of several feeding and eating disorders (EDs) detailed in the DSM, alongside Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and other unspecified eating or feeding disorders. BN is particularly characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain. These behaviours can have serious, potentially life-threatening health consequences.
The disorder primarily manifests during adolescence, with a marked inclination towards female individuals. It is characterized by cycles of overeating (binge eating) and then engaging in behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise to counteract the effects of binge eating. This cycle of bingeing and compensating not only affects physical health but also has profound psychological impacts, often rooted in issues of body image and self-esteem.
Here's a table summarizing the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Bulimia Nervosa:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Recurrent Episodes of Binge Eating | Characterized by both: 1) Eating, in a discrete period (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most individuals would... |
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