The losing battle : on understanding bulimia nervosa

Abstract

The function this piece of work was intended to serve was that of eye-opener. I have always been amazed that, although Bulimia Nervosa is rampant even within my relatively limited social circle, it has been shrouded in mystery, confused with Anorexia Nervosa, or simply labelled a 'ridiculous' attempt at losing weight. Literature available on the subject is sadly limited in our libraries; there is a severe lack of therapeutic guidelines; no programmes exist for the 'rehabilitation' of bulimics. In talking of the 'typical bulimic', I have adhered to the classification given by DSM-III-R which can be seen on page 5 of this work. The work is divided as follows: Chapter 1 gives an overall picture of Bulimia Nervosa. Chapter 2 explores various theories on the aetiology of Bulimia Nervosa, as proposed by the major schools. Chapter 3 puts forward three methods of treatment currently in use. Chapter 4 describes the research design or methodology I adopted in carrying out my case study. Chapter 5 is devoted to the study of one particular case. Appendix A shows the questionnaire, namely The Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders (D.S.E.D.) which I used when interviewing my subject for the purpose of the case study. Appendix B shows categories of cognitive disturbances common to bulimics.