What is Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person must display all of the specific symptoms of that disorder in order to be diagnosed as either bulimic or anorectic.

Anorexia Nervosa
· Refusal to maintain weigh 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

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

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