applying theory to bulimia
Final: Bulimia Nervosa from the Lens of Interpersonal and Attachment Theories
SWOK 605
December 9, 2013
University of Southern California
Todd Creager, LCSW
Bulimia Nervosa
Diagnostic Criteria
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating which is followed by a type of compensatory behavior by purging. Purging, as defined by the Merriam-Webster (2013) dictionary is an act of getting rid of something unwanted. This can be done by self-induced vomiting, ill-use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or other medications as well as fasting and/or excessive exercise. Binge eating is the act of eating in a distinct period of time. The amount of food eaten is significantly larger than what most individuals would eat in the same period of time. When eating the individual usually feels a lack of control; one feels as if they cannot control what they eat or how much nor have control over stopping. An individual who participates in binging and purging generally does so in order to lose weight (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
According to the DSM-5 there are three crucial features of BN; recurrent episodes of binge eating and compensatory behaviors in order to avoid weight gain as well as frequent self-evaluation that is markedly influenced to assess body shape and weight (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Unlike Anorexia Nervosa (AN), were the weight loss and illness is evident by sight, many individuals with BN do not look like a person with an eating disorder (ED). Even so someone with BN does share many common thoughts as someone with AN, despite looking relatively healthy; fear of gaining weight, desire to lose weight and an intense dissatisfaction with their bodies. Another aspect of BN is secrecy. There is a feeling of shame or disgust when binging and also when purging, depending on how one decides to purge. Binging and certain types of purging are often done in secret and the feelings of shame
SWOK 605
December 9, 2013
University of Southern California
Todd Creager, LCSW
Bulimia Nervosa
Diagnostic Criteria
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating which is followed by a type of compensatory behavior by purging. Purging, as defined by the Merriam-Webster (2013) dictionary is an act of getting rid of something unwanted. This can be done by self-induced vomiting, ill-use of laxatives, diuretics, and/or other medications as well as fasting and/or excessive exercise. Binge eating is the act of eating in a distinct period of time. The amount of food eaten is significantly larger than what most individuals would eat in the same period of time. When eating the individual usually feels a lack of control; one feels as if they cannot control what they eat or how much nor have control over stopping. An individual who participates in binging and purging generally does so in order to lose weight (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
According to the DSM-5 there are three crucial features of BN; recurrent episodes of binge eating and compensatory behaviors in order to avoid weight gain as well as frequent self-evaluation that is markedly influenced to assess body shape and weight (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Unlike Anorexia Nervosa (AN), were the weight loss and illness is evident by sight, many individuals with BN do not look like a person with an eating disorder (ED). Even so someone with BN does share many common thoughts as someone with AN, despite looking relatively healthy; fear of gaining weight, desire to lose weight and an intense dissatisfaction with their bodies. Another aspect of BN is secrecy. There is a feeling of shame or disgust when binging and also when purging, depending on how one decides to purge. Binging and certain types of purging are often done in secret and the feelings of shame