Feeding and Eating Disorders Latest Updated Practice
Question and Answers
Episode of binge eating - ANSWER-refers to having an amount of food that is definitely larger
than most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
Subjective binge: eating a typical or even small amount of food coupled with the feeling that the
eating is out of control. Objective binge: eating a comparatively large amount of food plus feeling
out of control.
Triggers to binge eating - ANSWER-the most common antecedent of binge eating is negative
affect (anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, nervousness, etc.); other triggers include: dietary restraint,
negative feelings related to body weight, body shape, and food, boredom
Compensatory behaviors of binge eating - ANSWER-refers to any actions that a person uses to
counteract a binge or prevent weight gain; vomiting is the most common; other purging behaviors
include the misuse of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics
Personality and bulimia - ANSWER-some personality traits are associated with this disorder are:
Novelty seeking (neophilia): love or enthusiasm for what is new or novel impulsivity: the tendency
to act with no or very little thinking
Comorbidity with bulimia - ANSWER-depression and anxiety are usually present; substance use
and personality disorders are also common; up to about one-third display the characteristics of a
personality disorder, particularly borderline personality disorder
other health risks of bulimia - ANSWER-leads to erosion of dental enamel; swelling of the salivary
glands; fluid loss and dehydration; electrolyte abnormalities; serious metabolic problems;
permanent loss of normal bowel function; gastric rupture; cardiac arrhythmias
Prevalence of bulimia - ANSWER-12 month prevalence among young females: 1-1.5%; lifetime
prevalence estimates: 1-3% for women, 0.1-0.5% for men; approximately 10:1 female to male
ratio
Anorexia nervosa vs bulimia nervosa - ANSWER-anorexia: more likely to be underweight in
terms of BMI (<18.5); more likely to have amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual cycles)
Bulimia: typically are within the normal weight or overweight range in terms of BMI (>18.5);
more concerned with pleasing others, being attractive to others, and having intimate relationships;
tends to be more active; longer history of mood swings and trouble coping with emotions
Binge eating disorder - ANSWER-involves consumption of large amounts of food, even when the
person is not hungry;
while eating, there is a feeling of a lack of control over the amount of food or type of food; often
accompanied by obsessive feelings of food and body image as well as feelings of guilt and disgust
about the amounts of food eaten.
Question and Answers
Episode of binge eating - ANSWER-refers to having an amount of food that is definitely larger
than most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
Subjective binge: eating a typical or even small amount of food coupled with the feeling that the
eating is out of control. Objective binge: eating a comparatively large amount of food plus feeling
out of control.
Triggers to binge eating - ANSWER-the most common antecedent of binge eating is negative
affect (anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, nervousness, etc.); other triggers include: dietary restraint,
negative feelings related to body weight, body shape, and food, boredom
Compensatory behaviors of binge eating - ANSWER-refers to any actions that a person uses to
counteract a binge or prevent weight gain; vomiting is the most common; other purging behaviors
include the misuse of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics
Personality and bulimia - ANSWER-some personality traits are associated with this disorder are:
Novelty seeking (neophilia): love or enthusiasm for what is new or novel impulsivity: the tendency
to act with no or very little thinking
Comorbidity with bulimia - ANSWER-depression and anxiety are usually present; substance use
and personality disorders are also common; up to about one-third display the characteristics of a
personality disorder, particularly borderline personality disorder
other health risks of bulimia - ANSWER-leads to erosion of dental enamel; swelling of the salivary
glands; fluid loss and dehydration; electrolyte abnormalities; serious metabolic problems;
permanent loss of normal bowel function; gastric rupture; cardiac arrhythmias
Prevalence of bulimia - ANSWER-12 month prevalence among young females: 1-1.5%; lifetime
prevalence estimates: 1-3% for women, 0.1-0.5% for men; approximately 10:1 female to male
ratio
Anorexia nervosa vs bulimia nervosa - ANSWER-anorexia: more likely to be underweight in
terms of BMI (<18.5); more likely to have amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual cycles)
Bulimia: typically are within the normal weight or overweight range in terms of BMI (>18.5);
more concerned with pleasing others, being attractive to others, and having intimate relationships;
tends to be more active; longer history of mood swings and trouble coping with emotions
Binge eating disorder - ANSWER-involves consumption of large amounts of food, even when the
person is not hungry;
while eating, there is a feeling of a lack of control over the amount of food or type of food; often
accompanied by obsessive feelings of food and body image as well as feelings of guilt and disgust
about the amounts of food eaten.
