WHAT IS BULIMIA NERVOSA?

Bulimia nervosa is a severe, life-threatening disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed b - y self-induced vomiting or other purging methods (e.g., laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, fasting) to prevent weight gain. An individual struggling with bulimia is intensely afraid of gaining weight and exhibits persistent dissatisfaction with his body and appearance, as well as a significant distortion in the perception of the size or shape of his body.

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BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS

	recurrent episodes of binge eating: eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than     most people would cat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
	a sense of lack of control over eating during binge episodes
	recurrent purging or compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain: secretive self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or fasting,     compulsive exercise (possibly including excessive running, body building, or weight     lifting)
	hoarding of food, hiding food and eating in secret
	frequently weighing self
	preoccupation with food
	focus on certain body parts; e.g., buttocks, thighs, stomach
	disgust with body size or shape
	distortion of body size; i.e., feels fat even though he may be thin

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EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

	intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight
	performance and appearance oriented
	works hard to please others
	depression
	social isolation
	possible conflict over gender identity or sexual orientation
	strong need to be in control
	difficulty expressing feelings
	feelings of worthlessness--uses weight, appearance, and achievement as
	measures of worth
	rigid, inflexible "all or nothing" thinking

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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

	weight fluctuations
	loss of dental enamel due to self-induced vomiting
	ederna (fluid retention or bloating)
	constipation
	swollen salivary glands
	cardiac arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalances
	esophageal tears, gastric rupture
	lack of energy, fatigue