Answer:
To determine which eating disorder diagnosis should be applied to a particular individual, a psychologist would typically conduct a clinical interview and use various assessment tools to gather information about the individual's symptoms, behaviors, and mental health history.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time and feeling a loss of control during those episodes. Individuals with binge-eating disorder do not typically engage in purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may also have feelings of shame or guilt about their eating behaviors and may engage in strict dieting or fasting in between episodes.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa may restrict their food intake, engage in excessive exercise, and may engage in purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or laxative use.
To distinguish between these three eating disorders, a psychologist would carefully evaluate an individual's specific symptoms, behaviors, and mental health history. For example, an individual who engages in binge eating but does not engage in purging behaviors would likely be diagnosed with binge-eating disorder, while an individual who engages in purging behaviors and has a distorted body image would likely be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa, depending on their weight and other symptoms.
Overall, it is important for individuals with eating disorders to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may involve psychotherapy, medication, and/or nutritional counseling.