Bulimia - Symptom
Alternative Names
Bulimia nervosa; Binge-purge behavior; Eating disorder - bulimia
Symptoms:
- Binge eating
- Self-induced vomiting
- Inappropriate use of diuretics or laxatives
- Overachieving behavior
Signs and tests:
A dental exam may show dental cavities or gum infections (such as gingivitis). The enamel of the teeth may be eroded or pitted because of excessive exposure to acid in vomitus.
A chem-20 may show an electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia) or dehydration.
- Reviewed last on: 5/19/2008
- Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
American Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with eating disorders, 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;163(7 Suppl):4-54.
Berkman ND, Lohr KN, Bulik CM. Outcomes of eating disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Int J Eat Disord. 2007 May;40(4):293-309.
