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Published on: October 22, 2015
Olanzapine use in adolescent anorexia nervosa
K Dennis1, D Le Grange, J Bremer
1Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|July 1, 2006
Summary
Olanzapine, when added to psychotherapy, helped adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) gain weight and reduce anxiety. While morning sedation occurred, the medication improved sleep and reduced food-related rumination in AN patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder with limited pharmacotherapy options for adolescents.
- Existing literature on olanzapine for AN is sparse, particularly in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- Five adolescents diagnosed with AN received olanzapine as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
- Treatment involved monitoring changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and subjective patient reports.
Findings:
- All five adolescents demonstrated an increase in BMI during olanzapine treatment.
- Doses of 5 mg/day or higher correlated with reduced anxiety around eating, improved sleep quality, and decreased rumination on food and body image concerns.
- Morning sedation was the most frequent adverse effect reported.
Implications:
- Olanzapine may be a beneficial adjunct to psychotherapy for adolescents with AN, aiding in weight restoration and symptom management.
- This case series contributes to the limited evidence base for pharmacotherapy in adolescent AN.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in this population.
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