Epidemiology of bulimia and symptoms in a general population: Sex, age, race, and socioeconomic status

Abstract

The prevalence of bulimia (as defined by DSM-/I/ [American Psychiatric Association 1980. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed.). Washing- ton, D.C.: Author]) was estimated by structured interview in a random sample of 2,715 adults in the general population, aged 18-96. Prevalence was 1.1% for the total sample, and among women aged 18-30, 4.1%. Bulimic behaviors and symptoms were more common among women than men, younger than older respondents, and, on some items, lower socioeconomic status (SES) than higher SES respondents. There was no difference in prevalence of bulimia between women students and same-aged non-students. No racial differences were found. There were more cases of bulimia in the older population than expected.