OBJECTIVE: Finding medication to support treatment of anorexia nervosa has been difficult. Neuroscience-based approaches may help in this effort. Recent brain imaging studies in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggest that dopamine-related reward circuits are hypersensitive and could provide a treatment target. METHODS: Here, we present a retrospective chart review of 106 adolescents with anorexia nervosa some of whom were treated with the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole during treatment in a specialized eating disorder program. RESULTS: The results show that aripiprazole treatment was associated with greater increase in body mass index (BMI) during treatment. DISCUSSION: The use of dopamine receptor agonists may support treatment success in anorexia nervosa and should be further investigated.
OBJECTIVE: Finding medication to support treatment of anorexia nervosa has been difficult. Neuroscience-based approaches may help in this effort. Recent brain imaging studies in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggest that dopamine-related reward circuits are hypersensitive and could provide a treatment target. METHODS: Here, we present a retrospective chart review of 106 adolescents with anorexia nervosa some of whom were treated with the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole during treatment in a specialized eating disorder program. RESULTS: The results show that aripiprazole treatment was associated with greater increase in body mass index (BMI) during treatment. DISCUSSION: The use of dopamine receptor agonists may support treatment success in anorexia nervosa and should be further investigated.
Authors: Jennifer Hagman; Jane Gralla; Eric Sigel; Swan Ellert; Mindy Dodge; Rick Gardner; Teri O'Lonergan; Guido Frank; Marianne Z Wamboldt Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2011-08-05 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Guido K W Frank; Jeremy R Reynolds; Megan E Shott; Leah Jappe; Tony T Yang; Jason R Tregellas; Randall C O'Reilly Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology Date: 2012-05-02 Impact factor: 7.853