bulimia nervosa

bulimia ner·vo·sa -(.)nər-'vō-sə, -zə n BULIMIA (2)

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[DSM-IV] an eating disorder occurring predominantly in females, with onset usually in adolescence or early adulthood and characterized by episodic binge eating followed by behaviors designed to prevent weight gain, including purging, fasting, and excessive exercise. Episodes of binge eating involve intake of quantifiably excessive quantities of food within a short, discrete period as well as a sense of loss of control over food intake during these periods. The person with bulimia nervosa has a preoccupying pathological fear of becoming overweight, feels an unusually strong tie between self-worth and body shape and size, is aware that the eating pattern is abnormal, and frequently experiences feelings of self-recrimination. In contrast to persons with anorexia nervosa, patients with bulimia nervosa tend to be somewhat older, more socially inclined, have less obsessive characteristics, and do not exhibit extreme weight loss; it is not diagnosed in the presence of anorexia nervosa.