What type of disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging?

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating, where individuals consume an unusually large amount of food in a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. These behaviors often include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.

This disorder is marked by a loss of control during the binge episodes, followed by feelings of shame or guilt, prompting the purging behaviors. Unlike Binge Eating Disorder, which involves episodes of excessive eating without the subsequent compensatory behaviors, Bulimia Nervosa specifically entails this cycle of binging and purging.

Anorexia Nervosa, while also an eating disorder, primarily involves extreme restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than the binge-purge cycle. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is not classified as an eating disorder; it focuses on an obsessive concern over perceived flaws in physical appearance. Therefore, the defining characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa clearly differentiate it from the other disorders listed.