Bulimia nervosa

Abstract

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a distinctive eating disorder (ED) that was first identified in the late 1970s. It is a serious disease that usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can be associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to the compensatory behaviors used by sufferers to try to prevent weight gain, as well as from its related comorbid psychiatric conditions. Because of this, it is essential that those whose work is related to the fields of pediatrics and adolescent health are familiar with its various aspects. This chapter provides an updated review of the disease in children and adolescents, addressing its classification, epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, impact on health, screening, evaluation, treatment and course and prognosis.