Bulimia Nervosa
Basics
Basics
Basics
Description
Description
Description
An eating disorder which includes binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors; symptoms include:
- Episodes of binge eating, lack of self-control for eating
- Inappropriate compensations
- For example, excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, inappropriate diuretics use
- Alternating binge eating and compensations for prolonged time
- Distorted self-body image
- System(s) affected: oropharyngeal, endocrine/metabolic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, psychiatric
Epidemiology
Epidemiology
Epidemiology
- Mean age of onset: 18 to 21 years
- Predominant sex: female > male (13:1)
Prevalence
Up to 3% of females and ~1% of males in their lifetime
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Combination of biologic, psychological, environmental, and social factors
Genetics
Heritability estimated to be up to 41%
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- Female gender
- History of obesity and dieting
- Body dissatisfaction: critical comments about weight, body shape, or eating: low self-esteem
- Depression, social anxiety, severe life stressor
- Poor impulse control, substance abuse
- Family history of substance abuse, affective disorders, eating disorder, or obesity
- Diabetes
- Childhood trauma (sexual or physical abuse, neglect)
General Prevention
General Prevention
General Prevention
- Realistic and healthy weight management strategies and attitudes
- Decrease body dissatisfaction and promote self-esteem.
- Reduce focus on thin as ideal.
Commonly Associated Conditions
Commonly Associated Conditions
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Major depression, dysthymia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Personality disorders: borderline, schizotypal, antisocial (1)
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