This paper presents a dynamic perspective of some of the major issues surrounding the eating disorder of bulimia. The focus is specifically on the relationship of the bulimia nervosa syndrome to the historical dynamics of the developmental process of the individual. Three major aspects of bulimia are discussed. First, there is a discussion of physiological causes which includes psychotropic drugs, neuroanatomical disorders, hypoglycemia, and internal abnormalities. This brief review of the physiological etiology of eating disorders is considered essential to rule out the possibility of a physiological base for the undesired behavior. Second, there is a conceptual clarification of bulimia; the term bulimia nervosa is defined using the criteria set forth by Russell (1979) and Fairburn (1983). Third, an eclectic approach to treatment, including individual psychodynamic therapy, behavioral/cognitive therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, is discussed. Treatment outcome studies are reviewed in which individual approaches did not prove as effective as an integrated approach to the treatment of bulimia nervosa. Case studies are used to provide clinical material for a better understanding of the application of the object relations view. This paper concludes that where the psychopathology is more severe, a greater emphasis should be placed on a dynamic component in treatment. Ten pages of references conclude the report. (Author/NB)