An open trial of olanzapine in anorexia nervosa.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recent reports raise the possibility that olanzapine can assist weight gain and improve behavioral symptoms during refeeding in anorexia nervosa.

METHOD:

Seventeen DSM-IV anorexia nervosa subjects hospitalized between May 1999 and October 2000 were enrolled in open-label treatment with olanzapine for up to 6 weeks. Baseline weight and symptoms were compared to patients' status at the end of treatment.

RESULTS:

Olanzapine administration was associated with a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and core eating disorder symptoms, and a significant increase in weight. A comparison with our historical data suggests that subjects in this study had a significantly greater decrease in depression.

CONCLUSION:

These data lend support to the possibility that olanzapine may be useful in treating anorexia nervosa. However, a controlled trial is necessary to demonstrate that olanzapine is efficacious.

• Authors: Nicole C Barbarich, Claire W McConaha, Jill Gaskill, Maria La Via, Guido K Frank, Sarah Achenbach, Katherine H Plotnicov, Walter H Kaye
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 65 Issue 11 Pg. 1480-2 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15554759 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Benzodiazepines
• Olanzapine

Topics

• Adult
• Anorexia Nervosa (drug therapy, psychology)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Behavioral Symptoms (drug therapy)
• Benzodiazepines (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Olanzapine
• Treatment Outcome
• Weight Gain (drug effects)