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Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa

  • Eating Disorders (E Attia, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Onset of bulimia nervosa (BN) typically occurs in adolescence and is frequently accompanied by medical and psychiatric sequelae that may have detrimental effects on adolescent development. Potentially serious medical consequences and high comorbid rates of mood disorders and suicidality underscore the need for early recognition and effective treatments. Research among adolescents with BN has lagged behind that of adults, although evidence is accumulating to support the efficacy of family-based interventions and cognitive behavioral treatments that are adapted for use with adolescent populations. The aim of the current article is to provide an overview of recent research on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic issues, and treatment interventions focusing on adolescent BN, and to highlight areas for future research.

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Disclosure

Dr Hoste has received research support from the National Eating Disorders Association, and has served as a consultant for the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders.

Ms. Labuschagne is not funded by NIMH.

Dr Le Grange has received research support from NIMH, has received honoraria for conducting training workshops from the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, and has received royalties from Guilford Press.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 3077, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

    Renee Rienecke Hoste, Zandre Labuschagne & Daniel Le Grange

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  1. Renee Rienecke Hoste
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  2. Zandre Labuschagne
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  3. Daniel Le Grange
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Correspondence to Renee Rienecke Hoste.

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Hoste, R.R., Labuschagne, Z. & Le Grange, D. Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa. Curr Psychiatry Rep 14, 391–397 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0280-0

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