FEARING FAT - A LITERATURE-REVIEW OF FAMILY SYSTEMS UNDERSTANDINGS AND TREATMENTS OF ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA

This article reviews the literature examining family variables associa ted with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and family systems treat ments for these eating disorders. Definitions of and diagnostic criter ia for anorexia and bulimia are presented, and the prevalence of these disorders is discussed. The role psychopathological, sociological, an d interpersonal factors play in the etiology of eating disorders is re viewed. Family therapy approaches to treating anorexia and bulimia are discussed, and recommendations for future research are presented.