Diagnosis

If your primary care provider suspects you have bulimia, he or she will typically:

• Talk to you about your eating habits, weight-loss methods and physical symptoms
• Do a physical exam
• Request blood and urine tests
• Request a test that can identify problems with your heart (electrocardiogram)
• Perform a psychological evaluation, including a discussion of your attitude toward your body and weight
• Use the criteria for bulimia listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Your primary care provider may also request additional tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis, rule out medical causes for weight changes and check for any related complications.