Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

The most widespread eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are potentially serious disorders with high morbidity and mortality primarily affecting young women. The disorders are related; often there are no clear boundaries between the two disorders. Recent advances have been made in defining the interplay of risk factors leading to the disorders. These include various biologic and genetic factors, such as personality and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Although there have also been advances in the treatment of the disorders, much more research is needed, particularly in anorexia nervosa, to define effective treatments.