| BULIMIA NERVOSA |
| DSM-IV DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA |
| A) Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following: 1. eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), 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) B) Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise. C) The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months. D) Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. E) 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 behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas |
| ICD-10 DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA |
| A) There are recurrent episodes of overeating (at least twice a week over a period of 3 months) in which large amounts of food are consumed in short periods of time. B) There is a persistent preoccupation with eating, and a strong desire of a sense of compulstion to eat (craving) C) The patient attempts to counteract the "fattening" effects of food by one or more of the following: 1. self-induced vomiting; 2. self-induced purging; 3. alternating periods of starvation 4. use of drugs such as appetite suppressants, thyroid preparations, or diuretics; when bulimia occurs in diabetic patients they may choose to neglect their insulin treatment. D) There is a self-perception of being too fat, with an intrusive dread of fatness (usually leading to underweight). |
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