Current issues in Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract

Bulimia nervosa is a subject of increasing interest to health professionals and lay people alike. It can be characterised generally as a pattern of behaviour involving episodes of binge eating alternating with self‐induced vomiting or laxative abuse. This paper reviews current literature, considering its physical effects, its prevalence, and problems in its definition, diagnosis, and measurement. Models of its causation and current treatment strategies are reviewed. It appears that there is a need for further systematic research in the area. There is considerable disagreement regarding what bulimia nervosa is, how prevalent it is, how it should be assessed, what causes it, and how best to treat it. Whether bulimia is a single problem or a common behavioural outcome of a number of problems is also unclear. Directions for further research which might clarify these basic disagreements are suggested.