Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that consists of relatively constant behavior of binge eating, eating more than you would at a typical meal and of using an inappropriate method to get rid of the extra calories consumed. , such as self-induced vomiting, taking excessive amounts of laxatives, or fasting. Another key symptom is that self-esteem is overly influenced by body image and weight (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Episodes of bingeing and purging, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control, must occur at least once a week for 3 months, in order to be clinically diagnosed (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Once a diagnosis is made, treatment begins, usually a combination of therapy and antidepressants. This combination appears to be successful, as most people with bulimia nervosa recover. If a person has a family history of eating disorders or has previously been diagnosed with a mental illness, the risk of being diagnosed increases (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Social pressure and traumatic events can also contribute (Duckworth & Freedman, 2013). Although researchers are still trying to find answers about the exact cause of this disorder, they recently discovered that bulimia nervosa during pregnancy is correlated with postnatal depression, miscarriage, and premature birth (Morgan, Lacey, and Chung, 2006). NervosaBinging can be defined as eating excessive amounts of food, more than in a typical meal. Compensatory behavior occurs when a person engages in self-induced vomiting, abuses laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (purging), or fasts or exercises excessively (non-purging) to eliminate extra calories consumed (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). It seems that these two behaviors combine, a ps...... middle of paper ......ormant at the time of pregnancy. Women were interviewed to determine what complications, if any, had occurred. After review, it was concluded that "active bulimia during pregnancy is associated with postnatal depression, miscarriage and premature birth." Seeing that having active bulimia nervosa during pregnancy could reduce the chances of having a healthy baby is a beneficial finding because it is treatable (Morgan, Lacey, & Chung, 2006). Nowadays, this is just the beginning for researchers to discover more and more about bulimia nervosa. Whether it's finding the exact cause of this disorder, new symptoms appearing, changes in diagnostic criteria, hopefully a better prognosis, advances in treatment options and continued research to be as proactive as possible, the doors to bulimia nervosa are wide. open and ready to explore.