This study has the goal of investigating, through the interview of patients with bulimia nervosa, how the family takes part of the treatment and the development of such eating disorder. In order to reach this goal, a qualitative research was organized, with six women diagnosed as such, aged from 19 to 35 years old and members of the middle and high economic classes of the Rio de Janeiro society. Initially, a theoretic study of the characteristics of bulimia nervosa and of the families with a member that suffered of such eating disorders was made, including the evolution of family treatment. This study served as a foundation for the analysis the interviews and, later, in the creation of six categories. Through the analysis of the interviews, there was evidence that most of them related directly their eating symptoms to family issues, pointing towards specific or recurring situations, in which they seeked shelter and support in food. Analyzing such reports, the conclusion was that the participation of the family is of extreme importance in the treatment of bulimia nervosa, in order for the issues related to the dysfunctional dynamic of this system to be treated and, this way, for the patient to present an improvement of their symptoms.