There are several similar characteristics of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both disorders typically begin for a person in their adolescence and the majority of cases are reported with females (Eddy, Keel, Dorer, Delinsky, Franko& Herzog, 2002). Often times the consequences of these disorders can be very severe. Many of those with eating disorders suffer from major medical conditions. One in ten cases of anorexia nervosa

It can be somewhat difficult to detect that someone is suffering from bulimia because typically the person maintains a normal body weight (Eguia & Bello, 2001). However, some common signs for detecting bulimia include eating in secret, obsession about one's body weight and shape, fasting, significant fluctuations in weight, preference for large portions, tendency to eat quickly, lack of will power or energy and swelling of the parotid glands, as a result of the induced vomiting. With anorexia, signs to watch out for include distorted body image, intense fear of gaining weight, rituals revolving around eating, preference for small portions, throwing out food or spitting food out, tendency to eat slowly, refusal to maintain a normal body weight, irritability and social isolation. Eguia & Bello state that if one observes some of the signs as the behavior of another, a diagnostic consultation may be necessary (2001).

There are two types of bulimia nervosa, purging type and nonpurging type. Those suffering from purging type use some means to expel the food from their bodies either with self-induced vomiting or misuse of a diuretic drug. Those with nonpurging type bulimia use some other method to maintain their weight like excessive exercising or fasting after an episode.

Eguia & Bello also feel that it is up to teachers and schools to watch for signs in eating disorders (2001). The authors provide areas to watch out for including perfectionism, changes in personality, lack of concentration, physical activity and sports and bathroom use. (Eguia & Bello, 2001). Teachers should note if a student is particularly concerned with have a perfect body or weight. Many students are involved in sports, however when the sole purpose of engaging in sports is to lose weight then there may be reason for concern. One with an eating disorder may engage in physical activity in a compulsive and intense way. Those with eating disorders may have a change in personality. They may have mood swings, become depressed, withdrawn or even display aggressive behavior (Eguia & Bello, 2001). In addition, it is important for teachers and parents to watch for signs of inability to concentrate. Those with eating disorders may become so concerned with their weight that they lack the interest to concentrate on anything else (Eguia & Bello, 2001). Finally, teachers should watch for excessive bathroom use as that may point out that one is purging.

It is somewhat difficult to distinguish between anorexia binge-eating/purging type and bulimia purging type. One distinguishing component that the DSM-IV notes is that those with anorexia are at least 15% below the normal body weight for height and age, whereas those with bulimia maintain their normal weight. Those suffering with eating disorders may start with one eating disorder and then eventually have the other disorder. However, one does not have both disorders at the same time. However over half of those with anorexia will develop bulimia (Eguia & Bello, 2001).

There are two types of anorexia nervosa, restricting type and binge-eating/purging type. The restricting does not engage in binge eating or purge eating behaviors. However, the binge-eating/purging type engages in activities including self-induced vomiting and/or misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas (Eddy et al, 2002).

Some common words found in the essay are:
Eguia Bello, Sarason Sarason, Mental Health, Issues Families, Vandereycken Vertommen, Wiginton Rhea, Psychiatric Association, Franko& Herzog, Garner Garfinkel, Prevention Detection, eating disorders, body weight, eating disorder, eguia bello, bello 2001, eguia bello 2001, et al, anorexia nervosa, normal body weight, normal body, et al 2002, eddy et, eating habits, eddy et al, child eating disorder,
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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)