Glossary / Lexicon

Purging type refers to a form of bulimia nervosa in which individuals force out of their bodies what they have just eaten.

In the psychology context, the term "purging type" refers to a specific subtype of an eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa. Individuals with purging type bulimia nervosa engage in binge eating (consuming an excessive amount of food in a discrete period of time) followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas.

Here are a few examples of behaviors commonly seen in individuals with purging type bulimia nervosa:

1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by eating an excessive amount of food in a discrete period of time and feeling a sense of loss of control over the eating
2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-disgust after binge eating or purging
4. Preoccupation with body weight, shape, and appearance
5. Engaging in fasting, strict dieting or over-exercising to compensate for the calories consumed during a binge episode
6. Hiding food or food wrappers, or avoiding eating around others to conceal binge eating behavior

It is important to note that purging type bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder that can have significant physical and emotional consequences. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and nutritional counseling.