This paper defines the eating disorders of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and bulimia nervosa, a bulimic subtype of anorexia nervosa. The diagnosis of these disorders is discussed and similarities and differences among the three disorders are reviewed. Etiological factors are considered and current trends in treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and…

Eating disorders (EDs) are a serious problem in the U.S. due to their rise in prevalence during the 20th century and high morbidity and mortality rates. A relatively new, controversial phenomenon, "pro-Ana" (pro-anorexia) and "pro-Mia" (pro-bulimia) Web sites, came to the public's attention around 2000. These sites are created by and for people…

Summarizes data pertaining to separate and combined effects of cognitive-behavioral and psychopharmacologic treatments for obesity and bulimia nervosa. Anorexiant medication appears to enhance restraint and facilitates weight loss with behavioral interventions in the treatment of obesity, but relapse occurs once medication is withdrawn.…

The purpose of this literature review is to examine prevalence and incident rates of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In addition, this article will review the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. Finally, different treatment approaches will be discussed in…

This bibliography is intended to help readers locate material on anorexia nervosa and bulimia in the collections of the Library of Congress. A scope note briefly defines the terms "anorexia nervosa" and "bulimia" and discusses similarities and differences between the two eating disorders. Four references are included as introductions to the topic…

Describes the symptoms, outcome, etiology and treatment for bulimia. Discusses the school counselor's role regarding prevention and intervention with bulimic students, and suggests individual counseling techniques to use with bulimics. (BH)

The authors summarize a study by D. A. Williamson et al. (2002) in which clinical groups with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, eating disorder not otherwise specified, and binge eating disorder were contrasted with nonclinical groups of participants (i.e., obese and normal weight). The eating disorder groups were qualitatively different. Also,…

This document presents an overview of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in adolescents. A brief review of the historical background of these eating disorders is included. Causes of anorexia and bulimia are discussed and physical, behavioral, emotional, and perceptual characteristics of the disorders are listed in a section on symptoms. The need for a…

Family variables derived from the Family Environment Scale are examined using data from 174 college women at a Pacific Northwest university and 2 universities in Houston (Texas) with varying degrees of bulimia. Subjects' self-reports indicate family dysfunctions, but the study illustrates the complexity of the family's role in bulimia. (SLD)

The co-occurrence of child sexual abuse and the development of bulimia was studied in a nonclinical sample (N=391). Results are discussed, including consideration of possible linkage between the experience of sexual abuse and bulimia. ANOVA analysis is presented briefly. The hypothesis of dissociation as a link was not supported. (EMK)

Prevention and early intervention in cases of anorexia and bulimia require that both professionals and the general public have knowledge about these eating disorders. A study was conducted to identify the questions about these disorders most often asked by the general public and to develop a guide to answer those questions for individuals of…

As a disorder repeatedly related to body-esteem and hypothesized to be related to sexuality, bulimia was expected to be related to contraceptive behavior. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between bulimia and sexual attitudes and behavior. Female college students (N=117) considered at high, medium, and low risk for developing…

Examined relationships between bulimia and the personality characteristics of assertiveness, masculinity, femininity, masculinity-femininity, and externality in 205 female college students, 15 of whom were classified as bulimic. Found low but statistically significant negative relationships between assertiveness, masculinity, and…

Bulimia is an eating disorder often referred to as the binge-purge syndrome. The bulimic usually functions well at work and often holds a top-level position. Reasons for bulimia include feelings of inadequacy, societal pressures to be thin, and high parental expectations. Low self-esteem is a common characteristic of the bulimic. (RM)

This study examined emotion-identification skills in 19 adolescent girls (M age = 16 years, 8 months) diagnosed with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV], American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified in the bulimic spectrum, 19 age-matched girls…