Question

A 16-year old female has an irresistible urge to eat, followed by episodes of self-induced vomiting. She is also on appetite suppressants. What is the diagnosis?

• A. Anorexia nervosa
• B. Bulimia nervosa
• C. Pica disorder
• D. Binge eating disorder

Hint:

Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of binge eating and purging behaviors, which can have serious long-term health consequences.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The diagnosis in this case is likely Bulimia Nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia nervosa often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, and they may engage in binge eating despite already feeling full.
The use of appetite suppressants in this case may be an attempt to control weight, which is a common feature of bulimia nervosa. 
Anorexia Nervosa is a related eating disorder characterized by a fear of weight gain and a distorted body image, but it is primarily characterized by restriction of food intake, rather than binge eating followed by purging. Pica is a disorder characterized by the persistent eating of non-food items, and Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia nervosa.