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Step 1
Realize that the better-known symptoms of bulimia are binging and purging. There must be a pattern of this behavior for a period of at least three months before it can be diagnosed as bulimia nervosa.
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Step 2
Know that some bulimics only binge and purge two times each week while others may do so as many as ten times per day.
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Step 3
Recognize that when bulimics binge they consume an extraordinary amount of food in one or multiple settings. Typically there are "triggers" like stress and depression that precipitate the binge because the eating temporarily relieves them of their feelings.
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Step 4
Know that purging is generally associated with self-induced vomiting or ipecac syrup. Purging can also involve the use of laxatives, diuretics and enemas.
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Step 5
Understand that bulimics engage in fasting and intense exercise regimens to manage weight gained from a binge.
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Step 6
Realize that amenorrhea, or failure to menstruate, is evident in nearly half of all female bulimics.
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Step 7
Remember that bulimics are very secretive about their lack of self perception and subsequent binging and purging. Hoarding food or eating in secret is common. They may enjoy talking about or reading about diets more than other people.
