A comparison of two groups of women with bulimia nervosa on symptom onset.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a significant mental health problem for women. Both children and adolescents develop risk factors for BN that are identifiable. An important role for psychiatric-mental health nurses is the prevention of psychiatric disorders through risk factor identification and intervention for early symptoms. The purpose of this study was to extend recent research on the sequencing of risk factors and symptoms in the development of bulimia nervosa. Symptom history was collected on 71 women who agreed to participate in research on eating disorders (EDs). Women were divided into two groups based on whether their first symptom manifested was bingeing (BF) or dieting (DF). The groups were compared on age of symptom onset, weight history, and history of diagnosis. There were significant differences between the groups, and the present findings contradict some of the important conclusions from three previous studies. The results are discussed and implications for strategies for early detection and prevention are presented.