Symptom development in bulimia nervosa: a comparison of women with and without a history of anorexia nervosa

Identifying women at risk for developing bulimia nervosa (BN) is an important area of study for psychiatric-mental health nurses. Of those who develop BN, a large proportion of women have been diagnosed earlier with anorexia nervosa (AN). It has been posited that women who are treated for AN are often only partially recovered. Although their weights become clinically acceptable, they often continue to restrict food; this typically leads to a binge eating and purging cycle and the development of BN. A history of AN is viewed as a possible risk factor for the development of BN. This study compared women seeking treatment for BN with a prior history of AN, and those without this history on selected variables. A profile emerged and is described supporting a distinct subgroup with prior AN. Findings from this study have implications for early detection of and extended follow-up care after treatment for AN.