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Bulimia, Pediatric

Sara F. Forman, MD and Melissa B. Freizinger, PhD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder (ED) characterized by the following: 
  • Recurrent binge eating episodes with rapid consumption of large amounts of food in discrete periods of time...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • ED specific

    • Eating habits

    • Presence of binge or purge behavior

    • Food rituals

    • Body image

    • Exercise history

    • Actual and desired weights, minimum and maximum weights

    • Use of laxatives, diuretics, di...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Antidepressants

    • Decrease the binge–purge behavior

    • Improve attitudes about eating

    • Lessen preoccupation with food and weight

    • Fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), desipramine (Norp...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Encourage routine meals and snacks.

  • Reduction in binge and purge episodes may take time.

  • Behavioral and thought disorders associated with bulimia nervosa may be of ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. [View Abstract on OvidInsig...

CODES

ICD9

  • 307.51 Bulimia nervosa

  • 783.6 Polyphagia

ICD10

  • F50.2 Bulimia nervosa

  • F50.9 Eating disorder, unspecified

SNOMED

  • 78004001 Bulimia nervosa (disorder)

  • 32721004 Bulimia nervosa, purging type

  • 59645001 Buli...

FAQ

  • Q: How do I determine if a patient has anorexia with vomiting or bulimia?

  • A: The key feature of anorexia nervosa that distinguishes it from bulimia nervosa is the degree of malnutrition and presenc...

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