Posted: May 31st, 2023

Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa: A Comparison

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have a devastating impact on a person’s physical and emotional health. Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are two of the most common eating disorders. While they share some similarities, there are also some important differences between the two conditions.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia often feel a sense of loss of control during binge episodes, and they may eat large amounts of food very quickly. After a binge episode, they may feel intense guilt and shame, and they may purge in an attempt to “undo” the effects of the binge.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often restrict their food intake to very low levels, and they may engage in excessive exercise or other unhealthy weight control behaviors. They may also experience amenorrhoea (the absence of menstrual periods).

Similarities Between Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

Both bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are serious mental illnesses that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional health. People with either condition may experience:

Distorted body image
Fear of gaining weight
Excessive exercise
Unhealthy weight control behaviors
Depression
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Suicidal thoughts

Differences Between Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

The main difference between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa is the way in which people with each condition attempt to control their weight. People with bulimia nervosa binge eat and then purge, while people with anorexia nervosa restrict their food intake.

Another difference between the two conditions is the average weight of people with each condition. People with bulimia nervosa are typically of normal weight or slightly overweight, while people with anorexia nervosa are typically underweight.

Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for eating disorders. The most effective treatment approach will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs. However, most people with eating disorders will benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.

Therapy can help people with eating disorders to understand the underlying causes of their condition, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their self-esteem. Medication can be used to treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with eating disorders.

Preventing Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa

There is no surefire way to prevent eating disorders. However, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder, such as:

Promoting positive body image
Teaching children and adolescents about healthy eating and exercise habits
Identifying and addressing the risk factors for eating disorders, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety

Conclusion

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are serious mental illnesses that can have a devastating impact on a person’s physical and emotional health. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. There is no shame in seeking treatment, and early intervention is essential for the best possible outcome.

References
Brewerton, Timothy D., Dennis L. Murphy, Harry A. Brandt, Michael D. Lesem, and David C. Jimerson. “Serotonin dysregulation in bulimia nervosa: Neuroendocrine and headache responses.” Role Of Serotonin In Psychiatric Disorders (2023): 239-259.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Keel, P. K., & Mitchell, J. E. (2016). Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. In D. J. Stein, D. J. Kupfer, & M. B. First (Eds.), Textbook of psychiatry (5th ed., pp. 875-893). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2013). Treatment of eating disorders: A clinical handbook (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Bronleigh, M., Baumann, O. and Stapleton, P., 2022. Neural correlates associated with processing food stimuli in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies. Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 27(7), pp.2309-2320.
Van Eeden AE, van Hoeken D, Hoek HW. Incidence, prevalence and mortality of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Current opinion in psychiatry. 2021 Nov;34(6):515.
Norris, M. P., & Crowther, J. H. (2017). Eating disorders. In D. A. Kessler, S. J. Nolen-Hoeksema, & L. B. Alloy (Eds.), The science of clinical psychology (3rd ed., pp. 473-498). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

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