Bulimia nervosa in adolescence.

Investigations of bulimia nervosa have focused primarily on adult samples, although bulimia nervosa commonly has its onset in adolescence. Pediatricians are often questioned about its etiology, course, and treatment. In an attempt to provide pediatricians with answers, we integrate findings from recent epidemiological and treatment studies with a clinical report of 18 women who developed bulimia nervosa during their teens and sought treatment at our eating disorders clinic.