A 16-year old female has an irresistible urge to eat, followed by episodes of
self induced vomiting. She is also on appetite suppressants. What is the diagnosis?
A. Anorexia nervosa
B. Bulimia nervosa
C. Pica disorder
D. Binge eating disorder
Answer. B
Solution. The diagnosis in this case is likely Bulimia Nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa is an eating
disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as
self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
Individuals with bulimia nervosa often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted
body image, and they may engage in binge eating despite already feeling full. The use of
appetite suppressants in this case may be an attempt to control weight, which is a common
feature of bulimia nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is a related eating disorder characterized by a fear
of weight gain and a distorted body image, but it is primarily characterized by restriction of food
intake, rather than binge eating followed by purging. Pica is a disorder characterized by the
persistent eating of non-food items, and Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent
episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia nervosa.