Eating Disorders
Definitions
The following Diagnostic Criteria are adapted from the DSM-IV (Diagnosticand Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) published and copyrighted bythe American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic criteria for ANOREXIA NERVOSA
A. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weightfor age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weightless than 85% of that expected or a BMI of less than 17.5); or failure to make expected weight gain during periods of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
C. Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
D. In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. (A woman is considered to have amenorrheaif her periods occur only following hormone, e.g., estrogen, administration.)
Diagnostic criteria for BULIMIA NERVOSA
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterizedby both of the following:
(1) eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eatduring a similar period of time and under similar circumstances.
(2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (i.e.,a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one iseating)
B. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise.
C. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
D. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa.
Diagnostic criteria for BINGE EATING DISORDER (sometimes referred to as "compulsive overeating")
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
An episode of binge eating is characterizedby both of the following:
(1) eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.
(2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (i.e., feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
B. The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) ofthe following:
(1) eating much more rapidly than normal
(2) eating until feeling uncomfortably full
(3) eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
(4) eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
(5) feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
C. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.
D. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months.
E. The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting, excessive exercise) anddoes not occur exclusively during the course of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.
Last modified: August 2001.
Copyright © 1996 -2001
Michael D. Myers M.D. Inc.
All rights reserved.
The above information is for general purposes only and should not be construed as definitive or binding medical advice. Because each person is medically different, individuals should consult their own personal physicians for specific information and/or treatment recommendations.