title: The (lack of) effect of alprazolam on eating behavior in anorexia nervosa: a preliminary report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Anxiety is a prominent symptom in anorexia nervosa (AN), and higher pre-meal anxiety has been associated with lower caloric intake. Yet, the causal relationship has not been assessed. We proposed that reducing anxiety with a short acting benzodiazepine would increase caloric intake among individuals with AN.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study, we administered alprazolam 0.75 mg to inpatients with AN (n = 17) and assessed caloric intake in a laboratory test meal. Within-subject differences in caloric intake, anxiety, and fatigue were compared between alprazolam and placebo days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Caloric intake did not differ on alprazolam versus placebo (t(15) = 1.72, p = .11). Alprazolam did not reduce anxiety, but was associated with increased fatigue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was not able to evaluate the causal role of anxiety in meal intake among individuals with AN, as alprazolam did not alter anxiety symptoms. These data further suggest that the therapeutic role for short-acting benzodiazepines in AN is likely limited.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive New York, New York.
authors.forename: Joanna E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Steinglass
authors.forename: Simona C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yuanjia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: B Timothy
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000525:Alprazolam / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D062407:Meals / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000525:Alprazolam
keywords: alprazolam; anorexia nervosa; anxiety; benzodiazepine; eating behavior