What diagnosis would be given to someone who experiences significant episodes of eating large amounts of food, followed by guilt and purging?

The diagnosis that fits the description of someone experiencing significant episodes of eating large amounts of food, followed by feelings of guilt and attempts to purge, is bulimia. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating, where an individual consumes an excessive quantity of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Afterward, feelings of guilt and shame commonly lead to compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives, in an effort to prevent weight gain.

This condition distinguishes itself from other mental health disorders because of the specific cycle of bingeing and purging, as well as the emotional consequences associated with these behaviors. It is not merely about eating habits but also involves complex psychological components, including self-esteem issues and a distorted body image.

In contrast, bipolar disorder involves mood swings between depressive and manic states and does not primarily focus on eating behaviors. Dissociative amnesia is characterized by memory loss not attributable to a medical condition, and generalized anxiety disorder involves ongoing anxiety and worry but does not specifically include binge eating or purging behaviors. Thus, bulimia is the most fitting diagnosis for the symptoms described.