The eating disorders anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) continue to demand significant attention from health care professionals, both due to their high prevalence, mortality, and severe morbidity. Despite nearly 3 decades of investigation, much still remains to be learned about the etiology of the conditions, and there is only a moderate consensus about appropriate treatments. This review article reviews generally accepted models of etiology, modes of assessment, and treatment options for AN and BN, commenting on the empirical basis for the various treatments reviewed The role of social work in these illnesses is reviewed, and some directions for the future are considered.
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