The characteristic manifestation that will differentiate bulimia nervosa from anorexia nervosa is that bulimic individuals:
A. Have episodic binge eating and purging.
B. Have repeated attempts to stabilize their weight.
C. Have peculiar food handling patterns.
D. Have threatened self-esteem.
Correct Answer: A. Have episodic binge eating and purging
Bulimia is characterized by binge eating which is characterized by taking in a large amount of food over a short period of time. Bulimia nervosa is a condition that occurs most commonly in adolescent females, characterized by indulgence in binge-eating, and inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Patients are eating portions more significant than what most people would consume in a similar period (usually less than 2 hours) and under comparable conditions. Binging episodes are followed by inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain. The episodes should occur at least once a week for three months to establish a diagnosis.
Option B: The success of many professions depends on a person’s weight. Models and actors portray a level of thinness that is difficult to attain, and it is enhanced by make-up and photographic alterations. Athletes in sports such as ballet, long-distance running, and martial arts are pressured to maintain lean body weights to outperform the competition. Media outlets promote diet secrets and weight loss tips in excess. Populations such as maturing females identify thin body types with increased self-esteem and link weight loss with self-control.
Option C: Patients with anorexia nervosa have altered brain function and structure there are deficits in neurotransmitters dopamine (eating behavior and reward) and serotonin (impulse control and neuroticism), differential activation of the corticolimbic system (appetite and fear), and diminished activity among the frontostriatal circuits (habitual behaviors).
Option D: Low esteem is noted in both eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa (AN) mainly affects girls or women between 13 and 45 years of age. According to previous studies, one of the reasons for the desire to be thin is low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is commonly experienced among individuals with eating disorders, which can complicate the recovery process. For many people with eating disorders, the experience of low self-esteem can trigger the development of an eating disorder or influence behaviors that create a chaotic relationship with food and the body.