Psychosocial Factors in the Origins of Bulimia Nervosa

Evidence is gathering that family disturbance precedes the onset of bulimia nervosa in a high proportion of cases presenting for treatment, however, this may be a general rather than a specific risk factor and may only be relevant in the subgroup with additionl personality disorder and depression. Serious life events and difficulties occurring shortly before onset are common in bulimic patients, but may be mediated by deficient coping skills and poor social support. The potential links between childhood care and adult eating disorder are discussed.