Bulimia with Restricting: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging (e.g., self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics), fasting, or excessive exercise. In the context of bulimia with restricting, individuals may engage in restrictive eating patterns between episodes of binge eating and purging. This means that they may try to severely limit their caloric intake or use other methods to control their weight or food intake when they are not bingeing.
Binge/Purge Anorexia: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, along with a distorted body image. In the context of binge/purge anorexia, individuals with anorexia engage in periods of restrictive eating (similar to those with restrictive anorexia) but then also have episodes of binge eating and purging. This can include the use of vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics to get rid of the calories consumed during the binge.
Key Differences: The primary difference between these two disorders is the starting point of the restrictive behavior:
- In bulimia with restricting, the starting point is typically the binge eating episodes, which are then followed by compensatory behaviors and restrictive eating in between binges.
- In binge/purge anorexia, the starting point is the restrictive eating behavior, but this is then combined with episodes of binge eating and purging.
It's important to note that these distinctions can sometimes be challenging to make, and individuals may exhibit a mix of symptoms from both disorders. Eating disorders can be complex, and symptoms may vary over time, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
Regardless of the specific diagnosis, seeking professional help and support is crucial. Proper treatment, including therapy, nutrition counseling, and medical supervision, can be beneficial in managing and recovering from these eating disorders. If you have received different diagnoses from different professionals, it might be helpful to seek a second opinion from an experienced specialist in eating disorders to obtain a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.