Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia sufferers are more aware that they have unhealthy attitude towards food than anorexia suffers. They are also more likely to admit that they have self esteem and body image issues. They are fairly accurate when providing information about binge/purging habits to the doctors.

There are 5 criterions upon which bulimia can be diagnosed. Duration and frequency of binging and purging is important information for diagnosis as well as the patient’s attitude towards weight loss.

1.Binge eating- within a discrete time phase of 1 to 2 hours. A considerable amount is consumed (more calories than an average person requires daily), with a sense of lack of control and feel they cannot stop eating.

2.An unrealistic ideal weight, evaluation of themselves entirely in terms of body image, along with a rather intense fear of weight gain.

3.Compensatory behaviour in addition to binging such as self induced vomiting, laxative, diuretic and enema abuse. Over exercise and fasting are also compensatory behaviours.

4.Episodes of binging and purging must occur at least two times a week for three consecutive months.

5.An episode of binging and purging is not considered bulimia if it occurs during a phase of anorexia, this is instead diagnosed as binge/purge type anorexia.

The weight loss in bulimic people is not as severe as anorexics, some appear perfectly healthy and so bulimia is therefore a lot harder to spot. In general people do not think bulimia is particularly severe because the effects are not visible. However the disorder is life threatening and can be as serious as anorexia. Due to secrecy and denial bulimia like anorexia is difficult to diagnose. Help is rarely sought first hand; usually diagnosis is made when other health issues as a result of bulimia arise.

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