Butcher, Mineka and Hooley (2003) report that there is a degree of overlap between anorexia and bulimia in that it is possible for patients to suffer from both conditions at the same time and/or swing from one condition to the other. Further, the conditions are similar in terms of their causes. As noted by Butcher et. al, in both conditions, patients suffer from a fear of being fat and perceive themselves as fatter than they really are.

This fear of being fat is central to both conditions, and both anorexics and bulimics may perceive themselves as being far fatter than they really are, a body image misperception that fuels the condition. Butcher, Mineka and Hooley (2003)report that other possible causes of one or both disorders may have to do with higher levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, genetic predisposition, and or the pressure of living in a culture that values thinness. Personality variables are also said to play a role: these include factors such as the need to feel in control, a preoccupation with pleasing others, fear of rejection, and low self-esteem.

American Psychological Association. (2006). Eating disorders: Psychotherapy's role in effective treatment. Document available: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/ article.php?id=50

With respect to bulimia, the National Association of Eating Disorders (2006) states that the entire digestive system is placed in a state of imbalance and that this can, in turn, affect the heart and other major organs. Typical consequences include: electrolyte imbalances associated with irregular heartbeats and even heart failure due to the loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from the body as a result of purging behaviors; gastric ruptures due to binging; inflammation or even rupture of the esophagus; chronic irregularity in bowel movements; peptic ulcers; and pancreatitis.

According to Keel (2004), adolescent females tend to be more susceptible to anorexia and bulimia than other groups. Common reasons for this increased susceptibility include: increased susceptibility to societal pressure to be thin, higher genetic prevalence, and a history of sexual abuse (females being more likely to be abused than males). It is also thought that females experience more teasing than males by peers over factors such as body size and weight.

Often, the therapist will also work on improving patient's personal relationships and help them to get beyond any relational situation that might have triggered the disorder. In such cases, group therapy is said to be quite helpful and effective. In most cases, if the therapist is working with a team, the success rates will be quite high.