Bulimia is characterized by episodes of overeating followed by what?

Bulimia nervosa is primarily characterized by episodes of binge eating, where an individual consumes a large amount of food in a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. This often involves methods such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives. The goal of these behaviors is to counteract the effects of the binge eating, and they reflect a deeply rooted psychological struggle with body image and food.

While excessive sleeping, over-exercising, and complete fasting can be behaviors associated with various eating disorders, they do not specifically define bulimia. The hallmark of bulimia is the cycle of bingeing and purging, making the choice regarding vomit and laxative use the correct answer. Understanding this pattern is crucial in treating bulimia, as it highlights the behavioral aspects that need to be addressed for effective recovery.