Aripiprazole in anorexia nervosa and low-weight bulimia nervosa: case reports.
OBJECTIVE
There has been much interest in the use of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, newer, more weight-neutral medications have not been studied in AN, and there are no reports of the use of antipsychotics in bulimia nervosa (BN).


METHODS
We report on the treatment of eight patients (five with AN and three with BN) with aripiprazole for time periods of four months to more than three years.


RESULTS
All individuals had reduced distress around eating, fewer obsessional thoughts about food, weight and body image, significant lessening of eating-disordered behaviors, and gradual weight restoration where appropriate. Depression, generalized anxiety, and cognitive flexibility improved as well.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, these findings support the need to perform controlled trials of aripiprazole in AN and BN.
Trunko
Mary Ellen
ME
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Schwartz
Terry A
TA
Duvvuri
Vikas
V
Kaye
Walter H
WH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole