Can dieting cause an eating disorder?

Although claims that the eating disorders have reached epidemic proportions in the West are clearly exaggerated (Fairburn & Beglin, 1990), anorexia and bulimia nervosa are among the commonest psychiatric disorders to affect young women in Western societies (Whitaker et al. 1990; Kendler et al. 1991). Because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with these disorders (for reviews see Hsu, 1990, 1991), there is no cause for complacency, and continued research into their pathogenesis, treatment and outcome is needed.