Bulimia Nervosa

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a thorough discussion of bulimia nervosa, including its symptoms, the damage it may potentially cause and treatment. The author examines new theories behind the development of this condition. Additionally,the paper outlines who is at risk for becoming bulimic. The paper concludes with treatment options, citing which patients may have positive outcomes, and the personality traits that lead to less successful outcomes.

From the Paper:

"The term bulimia is derived from the Greek word for ox hunger and depicts the extreme nature of binge eating. Cases of bulimia nervosa, which is characterized by binge eating and purging, were not reported until the 1970s. The formal criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), require that both the binge eating and the compensatory behavior occur, on average, at least twice a week for a period of three months: "Purging or other compensatory weight-loss measures: regular self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics in the purging type; other inappropriate compensatory behavior, such as fasting or excessive exercise, in the nonpurging type." There are three main modes of purging: self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, and misuse of diuretics. Most patients with bulimia induce vomiting with a finger, but some use ipecac. As the illness progresses, many can vomit reflexively without mechanical stimulation. The medical complications of bulimia nervosa are related to the mode and frequency of purging, whereas in anorexia nervosa, they arise as a result of starvation (restricting) and weight loss. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bacaltchuk J, Hay P, Mari JJ, Antidepressants versus placebo for the treatment of bulimia nervosa: a systematic review
• PK Keel and JE Mitchell, Outcome in bulimia nervosa, Am J Psychiatry 1997; 154:313-321
• All about Bulimia Nervosa, Mental Health Foundation, 2000
• De Caprio C, Pasanisi F, Contaldo F., Gastrointestinal complications in a patient with eating disorders,Eat Weight Disord. 2000 Dec;5(4):228-30
• Jeremy Hirst, Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

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