Perfect Illusions: Eating Disorders and the Family

The dramatic experiences of four families whose lives have been impacted by eating disorders.

"There will never be a moment in which you are not you. Some may try to hide their existence away, pretending they are someone they're not, but who is this act for? You know the ultimate truth; there is no hiding from yourself. The difficulty of it lies in our societies' ability to create perfect illusions."

A young woman named Anna Westin wrote these words in her diary in November 1999, contemplating the toll taken by a battle with anorexia that had begun when she was 17. Anna lost her battle a few months later, after she took a fatal overdose of painkillers. She was 21 years old.

Anorexia and bulimia are a growing problem, affecting millions of people in the United States, most of them young women. This silent epidemic - which has gained widespread public attention only in recent years - can be lethal. Yet, sufferers often don't look as gravely ill as they really are, hiding their illness behind a "perfect illusion" of normalcy.

Narrated and hosted by Lauren Hutton.

Very Eye Opening

I had to watch this for a class, but would recommend it to any family who is suffering from an eating disorder. I would also recommend this to younger women who are considering an eating disorder, or for an early education intervention to educate them on eating disorders. Very sad, very effective. July 14, 2007

Perfect ilusions: eating desorders wn the family

Wasnt what I expected.... Its boring not to real February 19, 2007

Great movie for parents

This movie was very helpful for me. I have struggled with an eating disorder for a very long time and the movie helped me feel lIke I was not alone. There was very good explanations of how the family structure can effect a person going through such a disorder and how they can help the individual get well. I would recommend this book to any parent raising girls as well as boys. October 24, 2005

Very well done

I saw this production when it was on public television. The women they chose to interview had compelling and realistic stories. One of the interviewees was Marya Hornbacher, whose book "Wasted" is a must-read for anyone interested in eating disorders. There's no pollyana ending here either, each of the women continues to struggle, and one even passed away from her disorder. The information is great for both sufferers and for their families. It's the reality of eating disorder and, unfortunately, the reality of how hard it is to get affordable treatment that works, and what the insurance companies aren't doing to help. Great documentary! March 12, 2004

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