BULIMIA
Definition:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise or misuse of laxatives, to prevent weight gain.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa: * Recurrent episodes of binge eating (characterized by eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is definitely larger than most would eat in that period of time and/or in that situation, combined with a sense of lack of control of eating during the episode)

* Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; use of laxatives diuretics, enemas or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise

* The binge eating and compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for three months

* Self-evaluation is highly influenced by body shape and weight. * There are two subtypes of bulimia nervosa: purging and nonpurging types. A person with bulimia nervosa, purging type, regularly engages in self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas. A person with bulimia nervosa, non-purging type, does not engage in purging behaviors (and instead uses other compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise).
Source: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition text revision. Washington, DC, Author, 2000. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2546 Bulimia: Also called bulimia nervosa. An eating disorder characterized by episodes of secretive excessive eating (binge-eating) followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as self-induced vomiting (purging), abuse of laxatives and diuretics, or excessive exercise. The