What eating disorder is characterized by cycles of overeating and purging?

The eating disorder characterized by cycles of overeating and purging is Bulimia Nervosa. Individuals with this condition often experience episodes of binge eating, where they consume large quantities of food in a short period, followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or using laxatives. This cycle can create a profound sense of loss of control over eating, coupled with feelings of guilt and shame afterward.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa is crucial as it highlights the complex relationship between food, body image, and emotional health. The condition often arises from a combination of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors, making it essential for those affected to seek professional treatment. In contrast to other disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, which primarily involves restriction of food intake, or Binge Eating Disorder, which involves episodes of bingeing without the purging behavior, Bulimia’s defining feature is indeed the purging that follows binge eating. This highlights the disorder's unique and challenging aspects.