Eating Disorder: Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a severe form of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is followed by abnormal behavioral change for compensation like self induced vomiting. BN shares certain characteristics with anorexia nervosa (AN). Both the disorders occur in previously healthy women, who become overly conscious about their body shape and weight. Many patients with BN has past history of AN. In current diagnostic system the different between BN and AN is body weight. Patients of AN have significantly lower body weight and that of BN have normal or above normal body weight.
BN is much more common among women compare to men (10 times higher). Incidence of BN is higher than AN, about 1 to 3 % of women have BN. Incidence is now slowly declining compare to 20 years back. There are some facts to suggest genetic predisposition, but cultural factors are more important than genetic factors from the fact that BN is very rare in under developed countries.
Categories: Diet & Nutrition Facts Tags: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, prognosis of BN
