Bulimia Nervosa
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - F50.2
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by extreme compensatory methods to avoid weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives without medical prescription.
Symptoms
Self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, intense physical exercise, and long periods of fasting are the most common ways to compensate for uncontrolled food intake in bulimia nervosa. These practices can lead to complications.
Causes
Genetic predisposition and aesthetic pressure are the main causes of bulimia.
Diagnosis
After a suspicion of bulimia nervosa, healthcare professionals conduct a thorough evaluation of the symptoms presented by the patient.
Prevention Method
There is no specific way to prevent bulimia nervosa. However, confronting unrealistic beauty standards can help.
Treatment
The treatment of bulimia nervosa is multidisciplinary. It includes psychotherapy sessions, psychiatric medications, and nutritional education.
Duration
The duration of bulimia nervosa varies from person to person.
Is it contagious?
Bulimia nervosa is not contagious.
Can it occur more than once?
A person may experience different, more severe episodes of bulimia nervosa. But in general, it is a disorder that requires lifelong attention.