National Eating Disorders Association

Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat Disturbance in way in which body weight or shape is experienced, etc. Absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles Specify restricting type or binge/purging type Bulimia Nervosa Recurrent episodes of binge eating Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain Binge eating & compensatory behavior occur on average 2X/week for 3 months Self-evaluation unduly influenced by weight Doesn?t occur only during anorexia Specify: Purging type or Nonpurging type Etiology Biological factors Twin studies MZ (20-50%) DZ (>10%) Family studies Hypothalmus Modulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine