From the Guidelines
The DSM-V-TR criteria for bulimia nervosa include recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by consuming a larger amount of food within a 2-hour period compared with peers, with a perceived lack of control during the binge, followed by repeated use of unhealthy behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, food restriction, or excessive exercise, occurring at least once a week for 3 months, with self-worth overly based on body shape and weight, and behaviors occurring distinctly apart from anorexia nervosa. The key features of bulimia nervosa, as outlined in the DSM-5 criteria 1, include binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative misuse, which must occur at least once a week for three months. Some of the key characteristics of bulimia nervosa include:
- Binge eating in which a larger amount of food is eaten within a 2-hour period compared with peers, and there is a perceived lack of control during the time of the binge
- Repeated use of unhealthy behaviors after a binge to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, food restriction, or excessive exercise
- Behaviors occur at least once a week for 3 months
- Self-worth is overly based on body shape and weight
- Behaviors occur distinctly apart from anorexia nervosa, as noted in the DSM-5 criteria 1. It is essential to note that bulimia nervosa can lead to serious medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, dental erosion, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiac arrhythmias, highlighting the importance of early identification and treatment, which may involve a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medications, as supported by the DSM-5 criteria 1.
From the Research
DSM-V-TR Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa
The provided studies do not directly address the DSM-V-TR criteria for bulimia nervosa. However, they discuss the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Key Findings
- CBT is efficacious for eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder 2, 3, 4.
- CBT is more effective than other treatments for bulimia nervosa, although interpersonal psychotherapy appears to be equally effective for binge eating disorder 3.
- The core features of bulimia nervosa, including binge eating and purging, predict weight change during treatment 5.
Limitations
- The studies do not provide direct information on the DSM-V-TR criteria for bulimia nervosa.
- The findings are based on studies that evaluated the efficacy of CBT for eating disorders, rather than specifically examining the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa.