Olanzapine in the treatment of low body weight and obsessive thinking in women with anorexia nervosa: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Anorexia nervosa is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and treatment costs. Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is known to result in weight gain in other patient populations. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy of olanzapine in promoting weight gain and in reducing obsessive symptoms among adult women with anorexia nervosa.


METHODS
The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 10-week flexible dose trial in which patients with anorexia nervosa (N=34) were randomly assigned to either olanzapine plus day hospital treatment or placebo plus day hospital treatment.


RESULTS
Compared with placebo, olanzapine resulted in a greater rate of increase in weight, earlier achievement of target body mass index, and a greater rate of decrease in obsessive symptoms. No differences in adverse effects were observed between the two treatment conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that olanzapine may be safely used in achieving more rapid weight gain and improvement in obsessive symptoms among women with anorexia nervosa. Replication, in the form of a large multicenter trial, is recommended.
Bissada
Hany
H
The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H8L6. hbissada@ottawahospital.on.ca
Tasca
Giorgio A
GA
Barber
Ann Marie
AM
Bradwejn
Jacques
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D009770:Obsessive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000077152:Olanzapine; D013850:Thinking / Q000187:drug effects*; D013851:Thinness / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine