Bulimia Nervosa By Evelyn Attia, MD, Columbia University Medical Center; B Timothy Walsh, MD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Reviewed / Revised Jul 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Overview of Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by some form of inappropriate compensatory behavior such as purging (self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse), fasting, or driven exercise; episodes occur, on average, at least once / week for 3 months.