The course and outcome of bulimia nervosa

Abstract.

We reviewed the literature on the course and outcome of bulimia nervosa. Longer-term outcome is associated with a considerable degree of relapse and chronification. Diagnostic crossover to anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder is low. Mortality in bulimia nervosa is considerably lower than in anorexia nervosa. Social adjustment and sexuality apparently normalizes in quite a few bulimic women over the course of time. A large group of bulimic patients, however, chronifies and suffers from severe bulimic symptoms and social and sexual impairment.

Assessments using more systematic categories and standardized reporting procedures are required in order to make the results of studies comparable and to allow generalized conclusions.