Bulimia is an eating disorder manifesting in episodes of eating large amounts of food in a very short time (bingeing) and then purges in an attempt not to gain weight. Purging activities include ingestion of laxatives and inducing vomiting. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, the patient must indulge in the compulsory behaviors a minimum of twice weekly for 3 months for diagnosis (Rushing, Jones & Carney, 2003). Otherwise, another disorder may be indicated. People with bulimia use these activities in an attempt to take control of their lives and ease stress.
There are a number of possible causes of bulimia. These can include:
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