Bulimia nervosa. Reoccurring
episodes of binge eating followed bysuch inappropriate compensatory
behaviors as self-induced vomiting;
misusing laxatives, diuretics, or other
medications; fasting; or excessive exercise
distinguish this disorder. Bulimia
is diagnosed twice as often as anorexia,
but unlike individuals with anorexia,
individuals with bulimia maintain a
fairly average body weight, making it
difficult to detect on the basis of
appearance alone. Individuals with
bulimia are more likely to seek out
treatment for their illness than those
with anorexia.