title: What is the scientific evidence for the use of antipsychotic medication in anorexia nervosa?
abstract: This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of antipsychotic medication for improving core psychopathology and behavioral symptoms of anorexia nervosa. The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group Trials Register, reference lists of retrieved studies and conference abstracts were searched. Four randomized controlled trials comparing typical or atypical antipsychotic medication to other interventions were included. Clinical heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Overall, there is insufficient evidence to either support or refute the use of antipsychotic medication in anorexia nervosa. Further trials may be justified but should be designed with a clear theoretical framework to guide use of antipsychotic medication.
authors.affiliation: ORYGEN Youth Health, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Court
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Hetrick
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Purcell
authors.forename: Patrick D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: McGorry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents