[Family factors as risk factors and perpetuating mechanisms in anorexia and bulimia nervosa].

In recent years more and more attention in studies on eating disorders is paid to risk factors and perpetuating mechanisms present in the disorders. Perpetuating mechanisms, most often of intricate character, influence patients' ambivalent attitude to therapy. Recognition of the perpetuating mechanisms, often connected with the patients' family way of functioning, makes the therapy much easier. Essential risk factors and perpetuating mechanisms are discussed.