Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Diagnostic Criteria of BN
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 what most individuals would eat in a similar period of time 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 behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.
C. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once 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.

 

Diagnostic Criteria is retrieved from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Physical

  • Frequent weight fluctuations
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Lethargy and tiredness
  • Frequent vomiting leads to:
    • Swollen parotid glands, tooth decay
    • Imbalance in biochemical system that leads to heart problem
    • Red marks leave on fingers due to harms of stomach acid
  • Frequent use of laxatives lead to gastrointestinal and bowel disruptions
  • Dehydration


Psychosocial

  • Feelings of loss of control, negative body image and being useless
  • Preoccupied with automatic thinking on food and drive to be thin at the same time
  • Body shape being the only thing for evaluating self image
  • Feel depressed, anxious, guilt and urge to self-destruction after binging
  • Intense and conflicted family members relationships
  • Eat normally in front of others and then binge in secret
  • Diminished social network due to ongoing avoidance to eat with others

Behavioral

  • Vicious cycles of fasting and binge eating
  • Consume extremely large amount of food in secret
  • Conceal large amount of food at home in secret
  • Stay in toilet for a long time after eating (for vomiting)
  • Do excessive exercises, self-induce vomit, fasting/ dieting, take laxatives, diuretics or slimming pills after binging
  • Stealing (especially food)

 

** If you suspect your family members, friends or yourself suffering from eating disorders, call us as soon as possible at our hotline 2850 4448.