Is there a certain cause of bulimia?

Is there a certain cause of bulimia?

Barton Blinder, MD (Clinical Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry) gives expert video advice on: How old is the typical bulimia sufferer?; Who is most at risk for bulimia?; What is the mortality rate for bulimia? and more...

Right now, our best understanding is that there are a number of factors that contribute to it. One is genetic. We're looking at the genetic origin. There tends to be a higher frequency of family history. There seems to be an association of bulimia with substance abuse. About 25 percent of young women who are bulimic have either alcohol difficulties or difficulties with stimulant and tend to have a higher history in their family. We're not sure of the exact genetic connection there. Mood and anxiety disorders, either a family history or propensity for depression, obsession, or anxiety would also be another important factor.