Peter Bosanac1, Trevor Norman, Graham Burrows, Peter Beumont. 1. Austin Health and Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia. bosanacp@unimelb.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review serotonergic and dopaminergic system function in anorexia nervosa in terms of potential modulation by atypical antipsychotic medications. METHOD: A systematic review of clinical, neurobiological and functional neuroimaging findings of serotonergic and dopaminergic system activity in anorexia nervosa was conducted via MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE psychiatry databases, with a critical review of dysregulation of these systems as therapeutic targets for atypical antipsychotics, in context of evidence regarding the utility and efficacy of these medications in this syndrome. RESULTS: There is evidence of persistently altered serotonergic and dopaminergic function in anorexia nervosa independent to weight-recovery. Case reports, open-label and single-blinded studies, albeit sparse, suggest that atypical antipsychotics may be beneficial in the management of anorexia nervosa psychopathology beyond weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Double-blind placebo controlled studies of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa with well defined outcome measures are required.
OBJECTIVE: To review serotonergic and dopaminergic system function in anorexia nervosa in terms of potential modulation by atypical antipsychotic medications. METHOD: A systematic review of clinical, neurobiological and functional neuroimaging findings of serotonergic and dopaminergic system activity in anorexia nervosa was conducted via MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE psychiatry databases, with a critical review of dysregulation of these systems as therapeutic targets for atypical antipsychotics, in context of evidence regarding the utility and efficacy of these medications in this syndrome. RESULTS: There is evidence of persistently altered serotonergic and dopaminergic function in anorexia nervosa independent to weight-recovery. Case reports, open-label and single-blinded studies, albeit sparse, suggest that atypical antipsychotics may be beneficial in the management of anorexia nervosa psychopathology beyond weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Double-blind placebo controlled studies of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa with well defined outcome measures are required.
Authors: A Torsello; F Brambilla; L Tamiazzo; I Bulgarelli; D Rapetti; E Bresciani; V Locatelli Journal: J Endocrinol Invest Date: 2007-12 Impact factor: 4.256