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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Barbarich
Nicole C
NC
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Research Module, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
McConaha
Claire W
CW
Gaskill
Jill
J
La Via
Maria
M
Frank
Guido K
GK
Achenbach
Sarah
S
Plotnicov
Katherine H
KH
Kaye
Walter H
WH
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077152:Olanzapine; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine