The validity of the distinction between bulimia with and without anorexia nervosa

Abstract

The relationship between bulimia in women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia of a similar severity in normal-weight women was examined and support for the distinction between these 2 groups according to DSM-III [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III] criteria determined. Bulimic women with anorexia nervosa (N = 59) and bulimic normal-weight women (N = 59) resembled each other on most variables and were more similar to each other than to women with anorexia nervosa who rigidly restricted food intake (N = 59). The diagnostic distinction between bulimia in anorexic women and bulimia of equal severity in normal-weight women was not supported.