Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
The partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist aripiprazole is associated with weight gain in adolescent anorexia nervosa
Guido K W Frank1,2, Megan E Shott1, Jennifer O Hagman1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Binge Eating Disorders
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

