References
- ^Bulimia: MedlinePlus; Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine US, cited June 15, 2023(April 30,2022)
- ^Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(June 2016)
Bulimia is diagnosed when a person discloses typical binging or purging behavior to a healthcare provider. The provider then assesses their symptoms and medical history and conducts a clinical interview to make the diagnosis. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) a person is considered to have bulimia nervosa if they binge at least once a week for 3 months. People with purging-type bulimia use vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after binging, whereas those with nonpurging bulimia engage in other compensatory behaviors, like fasting or excessive exercise.[1][2]