All who vomit are not bulimic

Abstract

The case is made, supported by a clinical vignette, that psychogenic vomiting stands distinct from either anorexia or bulimia nervosa. It is best understood in terms of the symbolic communication model of hysterical conversion disorder. However, patients with psychogenic vomiting represents a heterogeneous population. The case report is followed by discussion of a number of issues that make clear the relationship of psychogenic vomiting to other eating disorders or to vomiting of organic origin.