What is the definition of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person diagnosed
as bulimic or anorectic must have all of that disorder's specific
symptoms:
Bulimia Nervosa
- recurrent episodes of binge eating (minimum average of two binge-eating episodes a week for at least three months)
- a feeling of lack of control over eating during the binges
- regular use of one or more of the following to prevent weight gain: self-induced vomiting,
use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting, or vigorous exercise
- persistent over-concern with body shape and weight.
Anorexia Nervosa
- refusal to maintain weight that's over the lowest weight considered normal for age and height
- intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
- distorted body image
- in women, three consecutive missed menstrual periods without pregnancy.
Source: Excerpted from
FDA Consumer, November 1993 update: On the Teen Scene: Eating Disorders
Require Medical Attention
Refresh Q&A Frames
Foods Home
|
FDA Home
|
Search/Subject Index
|
Disclaimers & Privacy Policy
|
Accessibility/Help