About bulimia nervosa

The diagnosis criteria for bulimia nervosa are:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating.  An episode of binge eating is characterised by the following:
  1. eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g. within any 2 hour period), and an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
  2. a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g. a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.
• The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviours both occur, on average, at least twice 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 type:
  • Purging Type: during the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas.
  • Nonpurging Type: during the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviours, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas.

If you recognise yourself in this description, it is important that you seek help. Eating disorders are very isolating in their nature and are very difficult to battle alone. Left untreated they can have a seriously detrimental effect on your health. You should approach your GP who can help access the appropriate experts to provide bulimia treatment in your local area.

For more bulimia nervosa information

If you would like to talk to us about help and support for you or someone you care for who is suffering from bulimia nervosa please use our Care Finder to find a bulimia treatment service close to you.