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Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a dangerous eating disorder that affects people of all ages, but the condition can be challenging to spot in younger people.
Learning how to identify bulimia symptoms in teenagers can be a helpful way to recognize the issue early and guide people to the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to calculate the number of people who struggle with mental disorders like bulimia nervosa. However, statistics and studies can help compile a picture of who is impacted by BN and other eating disorders.
One look at the issue estimated that around 2% of teenagers in the United States struggle with BN.1,2 These figures only accounted for people who met all the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria for an official diagnosis.1
Another examination on the subject found the average age of onset for bulimia nervosa to be 12.4 years, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 0.9%, meaning many children may develop the condition early on and continue to struggle with it into their teens.6
Yet, while it's challenging to track the number of teenage BN cases each year, it remains clear that early intervention and early treatment are crucial for recovery.
The symptoms of bulimia nervosa are physical, behavioral, and emotional.
In general, younger patients present with less severe symptoms than adults, which can cause many to be initially diagnosed with 'other specified feeding or eating disorders' (OSFED) and make it more challenging to recognize bulimia nervosa in teenagers overall.4,5
Still, some studies show that as adolescents develop into adults, their bulimia nervosa symptoms tend to become more severe.6 In either case, identifying these signs earlier—and helping the person get help as soon as possible—is critical.
One of the biggest reasons it's important to understand the signs of BN in teenagers is to help them get appropriate treatment as quickly as possible. Early intervention has been tied to overall faster and more lasting recovery, so helping a teen reach out to a mental health professional can be a huge benefit.7
If you're concerned your teen or someone you know may have bulimia nervosa or another eating disorder, some tips may make it easier to talk to them about the situation.
Due to the bulimia nervosa prevalence and treatment challenges among teens, early intervention is crucial. Some additional benefits include:7
Reduced long-term damage: Early intervention and the development of healthy eating habits can help minimize the long-term physical and psychological consequences associated with bulimia nervosa.
At Within Health, we offer virtual eating disorder treatment and therapy for individuals struggling with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and other eating disorders, including specialized treatment programs for teens and adolescents. Our services include:
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
It is estimated that at least two percent of teens in the United States will be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.1,2
Yes. Adults have evidence of the chronic health problems seen in long-standing bulimia nervosa. Teens and adolescents tend to have less severe and less frequent symptoms.
If you think you may have bulimia nervosa, it’s essential to be evaluated by a healthcare professional who is trained in treating children. If you are older than 18, then you can see an adult provider.
