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Bulimia: its epidemiology and management
Research Publications - Association for Research in Nervous and Mental Disease
|January 1, 1984
Summary
The prevalence of bulimia nervosa is unknown but likely significant. Increased referrals since 1980 may reflect greater awareness and reporting, not necessarily new cases of this eating disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The exact prevalence of bulimia and bulimia nervosa remains undetermined.
- These syndromes represent a significant source of psychiatric morbidity.
- A notable increase in diagnosed cases has been observed since 1980.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore potential explanations for the apparent rise in bulimia nervosa diagnoses.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic needs associated with these eating disorders.
- To emphasize the necessity of outcome studies for evaluating bulimia nervosa treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological findings on bulimia and bulimia nervosa.
- Analysis of trends in patient referrals and diagnostic criteria fulfillment.
- Discussion of potential contributing factors to increased case identification.
Main Results:
- Conflicting epidemiological data exist, but bulimia nervosa is a significant psychiatric concern.
- The increase in diagnoses since 1980 may be due to increased awareness and reporting, not solely new cases.
- Referral rates may stabilize as existing cases are identified.
Conclusions:
- Bulimia nervosa presents complex therapeutic challenges requiring specialized psychological approaches.
- Effective treatment necessitates addressing not only behavioral changes but also core attitudinal shifts regarding weight and shape.
- Controlled outcome studies are crucial for validating treatment efficacy in bulimia nervosa.