Three studies on the factorial distinctiveness of binge eating and bulimicsymptoms among nonclinical men and women

Objective: According to DSM-IV's proposed nosology, binge eating disorder i s separable from bulimia nervosa. The basis for separation rests with compe nsatory behaviors (e.g., induced vomiting)-people with bulimia nervosa enga ge in compensatory behaviors, whereas those with binge eating disorder do n ot. We addressed the validity of this nosology. Methods: In three studies o n 2,015 young men and women, we used factor-analytic techniques to assess w hether bulimic and binge eating symptoms are separable in men and women. Re sults and Discussion: Results of the three studies converged: Although bing e eating symptoms may be distinct from bulimic symptoms among young men, th e two syndromes are factorially inseparable among young women. Nosologic an d sociocultural implications are noted. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.