Anorexia nervosa vs. bulimia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common clinically recognised eating disorders. Both have a tendency to skip meals, adopt unhealthy diets, and obsess over thinness and food, and present abnormal eating habits. Bulimia nervosa sufferers go through a cycle of binging, followed by purging due to a fear of weight gain. They are depressed and full of anxieties (Basitani and et al, 1995, Brewerton and et al, 1995, Joiner and et al, 1995, 1997). Both patients’ focus is on foods and meals, they are only interested in what, how and in what proportions they should eat. (Ledoux et al, 1993, Mizes, 1995).

For patients with bulimia appearance and relationships are crucial and sexually are more experienced and active. Sufferers with anorexia neglect sexuality. In bulimia patients’ markers which are responsible for reducing food intake have not been detected yet (Andersen, 1985, Halmi, 1995).

Bulimia develops self-sufficiency, need for independence and freedom while anorexic patients tend to cling to their families. Bulimia does not hinder social relationships while anorexic patients often behave reserved. The consequences of these behaviours are different in case of bulimia and anorexia. These are shown in table 2.

Table 2 The main differences between the symptoms and signs of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (Túry, 2001, p. 30)