Bulimia Nervosa

BN is a binge and purge syndrome that may develop in individuals trying to comply with societal standards of thinness; a cycle of dieting and binging can lead to a guilt-driven cycle of bingeing and purging. Bingeing involves eating extreme amounts of food (usually within 2 hours); purging involves self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, and/or extreme over-exercise.

Bulimics, mostly young women, may maintain normal weight or even above-average size. The restrictive diets they put themselves on are formulae for failure. The subsequent guilt drives them toward corrective measures that can lead to severe dental and gastro-esophageal damage, colitis, menstrual dysfunction, and heart and/or kidney failure. Depression and drug use may result over the long haul. Signs of BN include skin rashes, brittle hair and nails, and swollen salivary glands.