Quetiapine in anorexia nervosa patients: an open label outpatient pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the study was to determine whether quetiapine was effective in reducing scores on the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. Secondary objectives included determining whether quetiapine was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, the effect on weight was determined.


METHODS
In an open label design, 19 patients with AN but without schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were given 150-300 mg quetiapine daily over a 10 week period. Results were analyzed using last observation carried forward (LOCF).


RESULTS
Fourteen patients completed the study and all but one of the 5 patients who dropped out returned for an early termination visit. Scores on the total, general psychopathology, and depression scales of the PANSS declined significantly (p = .024, .010, .0005, respectively) at LOCF. There were improvements in several measures of anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive symptoms. Mean weight gain was modest at 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg). Adverse events were generally mild and no patients discontinued due to adverse events


CONCLUSIONS
Quetiapine was well-tolerated and patients had significant improvements in several subscales of the PANSS as well as decreases in measures of anxiety and depression.
Powers
Pauline S
PS
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. ppowers@hsc.ucf.edu
Bannon
Yvonne
Y
Eubanks
Rebecca
R
McCormick
Terry
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate