Bulimia Nervosa

Question 1

Characteristic features of bulimia nervosa

Answer 1

• episodes of binge eating
• intentional vomiting or other purgative behaviours
  e.g. laxatives/ diuretics/ exercising

Question 2

DSM 5 diagnostic criteria

Answer 2

1. recurrent binge eating
2. feeling lack of control over eating during the episode
3. recurrent compensatory behaviour to prevent weight gain
4. Binge eating and compensatory behaviours both occur at least once a week for three months.
5. Self-evaluation is influenced by body shape/weight

Question 3

Recurrent vomiting in bulimia nervosa may lead to which clinical signs?

Answer 3

• erosion of teeth
• Russell’s sign - calluses on the knuckles

Question 4

Management of bulimia nervosa

Answer 4

• referral for specialist care
• bulimia-nervosa-focused guided self-help
• eating-disorder-focused CBT
• children should be offered bulimia-nervosa-focused family therapy