Do I Have Bulimia Nervosa?

Do you repeatedly have episodes of binge eating? (Binge eating is classified as discretely eating a quantity of food that is certainly larger than what most people would eat during a similar period of time under similar circumstances, as well as eating without control during the episode).

Do you behave in a compensatory manner in an attempt to prevent weight gain (e.g., self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or other medications, excessive physical exercise, dieting)?

Have the binge eating and the inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occurred, generally, at least once a week for 3 months?

Do you judge yourself based on the shape of your body and weight?

Are you sure that the binging or purging does not occur exclusively during episodes of behavior that would be common in those with anorexia nervosa? In case you meet the criteria for both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, you will receive the diagnosis for anorexia nervosa and not for bulimia nervosa.

Based on your answers, you will most likely not be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. However, it may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, especially when the symptoms make you feel uncomfortable on a daily basis. The doctor might give you some helpful advice or send you to a psychologist. The earlier you recognize your problem and treat your symptoms, the better.

Based on your answers, there is a small chance of being diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. However, a visit to the doctor may be important. The doctor might give you some helpful information about your problem. The earlier you recognize your problem and treat your symptoms, the better. The severity of the problem is determined, among other things, by the frequency of inappropriate compensatory behaviors.

Based on your answers, there is a high chance you will be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. It is possible to recover from bulimia, but it may take some time. If you’re older than 18, your doctor may offer you a guided self-help program with support from a therapist. Additionally, you may receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you’re under 18, you may receive CBT and family therapy.