Presents evidence from several related studies that support the author's contention that eating disorders affect only about 2 percent of the adolescent female population, instead of the common figure of 15-30 percent. She also found that feelings of failure or inadequacy are consistently linked with eating disorders. (CH)

Explored relation between self-nurturance and disordered eating among bulimic (N=18), dieting restrainer (N=20), and nonrestrainer (N=20) women. Results indicated that bulimics were less likely to nurture themselves in non-food-related ways and derived greater percentage of total self-nurturance from food than either restrainers or nonrestrainers.…

This paper reviews the literature on the physiological causes of bulimia and investigates the rationale behind the usage of antidepressant medication in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. No definite conclusions can be stated regarding the physiology of bulimia, but a number of hypotheses are suggested. It appears that the hypothalamus is involved…

Presents case report of the treatment of a bulimic young woman and her family to illustrate method for working with the family's interactions and the client's internal processes. Includes guidelines and caveats for use of the method, which conceptualizes both levels and systems similarly. (Author/NB)

Highlights the complexities of treating eating disorders and provides a theoretical framework for identification, diagnosis, and treatment of anorexia and bulimia. (Author)

The case of "Kim" is used to illustrate the main characteristics of a bulimic. Representative excerpts are taken from a series of interviews with Kim, to illustrate her feelings and experiences. She is followed through the process of learning to vomit, deciding to seek help, and through therapy sessions. (Author/ABB)

There are three known diseases of eating disorders: compulsive overeating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. All three affect various body systems, are pathological in nature, and are addictive behaviors that mainly affect females. All can be fatal if not treated or under-treated. Compulsive overeating is the most known of the three disorders. The…

This document reviews the research linking excessive exercise with eating disorders. Seven steps are listed that an individual follows in going from someone who starts out using exercise and aerobic dance as a stress management technique or a hobby to becoming an exercise dependent individual with addictive behavior. Studies are reviewed, the…

Assessed criterion and concurrent validity of the Eating Attitudes Test and the Eating Disorder Inventory in 82 women with bulimia nervosa. Both tests demonstrated criterion validity by discriminating bulimia nervosa subjects from normals. Only weak support was found for concurrent validity within bulimia subjects. Recommends combination of…

The incidence of eating disorders is much higher among children and young adults involved in sport and fitness activities. When weight loss is followed by excessive exercise, certain biological and social reinforcers become evident. This is also followed by a diminished appetite, increased narcissistic investment in the body, and an elevated…

Little is known about the etiology of bulimia. However Polivy and Herman have hypothesized that dieting causes bulimia and that differences between dieters and bulimics are quantitative rather than qualitative. The purpose of this study was to examine these hypotheses and further examine the parallels between bulimics and dieters. Female college…

This bibliography is intended to help readers locate material on anorexia nervosa and bulimia in the collections of the Library of Congress. A scope note briefly defines the terms "anorexia nervosa" and "bulimia" and discusses similarities and differences between the two eating disorders. Four references are included as introductions to the topic…

The text of a Congressional hearing to examine the impact of eating disorders on children and families is presented in this document. Testimony by the following witnesses is included: (1) Krista Brown, eating disorder victim, and her mother, Susan Brown; (2) Robert B. Duncan, a hospital president; (3) Patricia Fallon, a clinical psychogist; (4)…

Reviews biological factors relevant to the understanding of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Considers the physical presentation of these disorders; the medical complications of starvation, binging, and purging; and the cognitive and behavioral effects of starvation. Reviews neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of these illnesses and…

Administered Survey on Eating Habits to 382 male and female university students to elicit information relevant to bulimia nervosa. Prevalence of bulimia nervosa among subjects was 10 percent using old criteria and 1 percent using modified new criteria for the disorder. Whichever criteria were used, typical bulimic student was found to be White…