Bulimia Nervosa - Diagnosis

Bulimia is often difficult to diagnose because patients often try to hide their condition and may deny they have a problem. Early diagnosis, however, is important. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the chance it can be treated. One step in diagnosis is a physical examination. Because the symptoms of bulimia are similar to those of other diseases, a doctor needs to make sure that a patient is not suffering from some other physical problem.

Excessive concern about body weight along with repeated episodes of binging and purging are symptoms of bulimia nervosa. (

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According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four signs that indicate bulimia. They are:

• Repeated episodes of binge eating
• Repeated use of purging devices, such as vomiting
• A feeling of lack of control over binge eating
• An ongoing concern over body shape and weight