Which symptoms are expected in a client with bulimia nervosa?

In bulimia nervosa, a hallmark symptom is the presence of recurrent episodes of binge eating. This behavior is characterized by the consumption of an unusually large amount of food within a short period, often accompanied by a sense of lack of control during the binge. This defining feature distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.

The binge eating episodes are typically followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting, which further illustrates the cycle of bulimia nervosa. The continuous cycle of binge-eating and purging can lead to various physical and psychological complications, making it critical to identify this symptom for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The mention of amenorrhea is not typical in bulimia nervosa; it is more commonly associated with anorexia nervosa. While feelings of self-worth influenced by diet are related to bulimia and present in many eating disorders, they do not singularly define bulimia nervosa. Lastly, the idea of a lack of exercise may not necessarily apply, as individuals with bulimia often engage in excessive exercise as a compensatory behavior. Thus, recognizing recurrent episodes of binge eating is essential to understanding the condition completely.