Which eating disorder is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging?

The eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, is Bulimia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder often consume a large quantity of food in a short period (bingeing) and then forcibly expel it from their bodies through actions like vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain.

This pattern of bingeing and purging is a distinctive feature of bulimia and serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage distress, body image issues, or emotions related to food and weight. Unlike anorexia nervosa, where individuals typically restrict their food intake significantly, those with bulimia often maintain a weight that is within a normal range, though they may fluctuate.

Binge Eating Disorder primarily involves episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviors that characterize bulimia, while a Feeding Disorder, which may include a range of eating issues, does not necessarily fit the specific binge-purge cycle outlined in the question. Anorexia nervosa is defined more by restrictive eating behaviors and an intense fear of gaining weight rather than the cycle of binge eating and purging.