Question

A 16-year-old girl has intense cravings for food. She eats large amounts of food, which is followed by self-induced vomiting. What is the probable diagnosis? 

• A. Anorexia nervosa
• B. Bulimia nervosa
• C. Atypical depression
• D. Binge eating disorder

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the probable diagnosis for a 16-year-old girl who experiences intense cravings for food, consumes large quantities, and then induces vomiting, we need to understand the characteristics of each condition listed:

1. Anorexia nervosa: Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to restricted eating and excessive weight loss.
2. Bulimia nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives. Patients may maintain a normal weight or be slightly overweight.
3. Atypical depression: Features mood reactivity, significant weight gain or increased appetite, excessive sleep, leaden paralysis, and a long-standing pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity.
4. Binge eating disorder: Similar to bulimia, involves binge eating without the subsequent purging behaviors.

Given the symptoms: intense cravings, large amounts of food consumption, followed by self-induced vomiting, the condition most closely aligns with Bulimia nervosa, characterized by a cycle of binge eating and purging.