Bulimia nervosa in homosexuality and HIV infection in the man. Case report

A male with bulimia nervosa is reported whose homosexual behavior resulted in HIV infection. The goal of this case study is to shed light on the course characteristics of bulimia nervosa occurring together with HIV infection in connection with homosexuality. The patient had experienced a number of traumas including sexual abuse, which surely had an influence on his developing bulimia nervosa. His longing for slimness, shown by the excessive preoccupation and dissatisfaction with body shape and weight may be considered typical for bulimia nervosa in homosexual men. Furthermore, male subjects with eating disorders often seem to be overweight prior to the start of bulimia nervosa, which also was the case in this subject. The course of his HIV infection so far has had no effect on severity of the bulimic symptoms. However, his bulimia nervosa apparently did had negative effects on the course of the HIV infection.