Bulimia Nervosa: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Based on the DSM-5 criteria, which of the following is necessary to establish a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa?
A. Binge eating and compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months
B. Binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors occur, on average, at least twice a week for six months
C. Binge eating occurs, on average, at least twice a week for three months, without the need for compensatory behaviors
D. Significant weight loss
E. Use of compensatory behaviors after eating small amounts of food
The answer is A. The binge eating and compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months
According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa include recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by both eating an abnormally large amount of food in a discrete period and a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode. This must be accompanied by recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise. These behaviors must occur, on average, at least once a week for three months. This patient’s history of binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as vomiting and laxative use fits these criteria.
"Note on answer choice D: Significant weight loss is not a criterion for bulimia nervosa; this is more characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Patients with bulimia nervosa can be of normal weight or overweight."
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ Feeding and eating disorders
Also covered as part of the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Rotation ⇒ Psychiatry: Feeding or Eating Disorders ⇒ Psychiatry EOR: Bulimia nervosa