Current perspectives on the eating disorders: II. Treatment, outcome, and research directions

Abstract

In spite of increasing specificity in diagnosis and a growing appreciation of the neuroendocrinologic and physiologic changes that accompany and perpetuate anorexia and bulimia, a clear understanding of these disorders has not been established. Developmental defects stemming from the earliest interactions between child and parent seem likely in the majority of cases, but the character of the defects, factors that determine the individual's vulnerability, and the reasons for the election of an eating disorder rather than a depressive disorder or borderline personality disorder are not yet clear. Part II will present the therapy and outcome of the eating disorders and suggestions for future research.