Bulimia nervosa historical perspective

Bulimia is a Greek term that translates to “ravenous hunger”. Gerald Russell became the first person to publish a description of bulimia nervosa in 1979.

• Bulimia is a Greek term that translates to “ravenous hunger”.^[1][2]
• While Bulimia is considered an issue in modern day society, it was popular among the ancient Romans and Egyptians to either make more room to eat or because it was viewed as having health benefits.
• Gerald Russell became the first person to publish a description of bulimia nervosa in 1979. Bulimia nervosa then went on to make an appearance in the DSM-III a year later in 1980.