Psychiatria pre prax 6/2003

Pharmacotherapy in Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder with high prevalence, chronic course, and high mortality. It affects primarily adolescent girls and young women. The basic therapy for AN involves nutritional therapy and behavioral modification combined with psychotherapy. Pharmacotherapy could be additional therapeutic approach in some patients. Modern antidepressants are considered to be a useful therapeutic tool in anorectic patients with depressive or obsessive compulsive symptoms as well as in relapse prevention. Neuroleptics, especially atypical, are another therapeutic option in AN.

Keywords: eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, pharmacotherapy, antidepressants, neuroleptics.