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RecurrentDepression

Bulimia Nervosa Subtypes

David Mazoor, M.D.Published November 15, 20061 min read

Key points

  • This subtype describes presentations in which the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode.
  • This subtype describes presentations in which the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode.

The following subtypes can be used to specify the presence or absence of regular use of purging methods as a means to compensate for the binge eating:

Purging Type. This subtype describes presentations in which the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode.

Nonpurging Type. This subtype describes presentations in which the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas during the current episode.

Revised and edited by

David Mazoor, M.D.

Medically reviewedLast reviewed

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