ABSTRACT
As with many psychological disorders, the development of anorexia and bulimia reflect the interaction of physical, psychological and social influences. Compared with the affective disorders, anxiety and schizophrenia, there has been relatively little aetiological research in this area, and it is thus more appropriate to consider factors which may influence vulnerability to eating disorders, rather than those that directly cause them. It is also worthwhile considering how eating disorders, once established, are perpetuated.
