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Mood stabilizers in eating disorders: A systematic review
Gianluca Sesso1, Pamela Fantozzi2, Sara Calderoni3
1IMT School for Advanced Studies, 19 Piazza San Francesco, 55100 Lucca, Italy; IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 311 viale del Tirreno, 56018 Pisa, Italy.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 6, 2025
Summary
Mood stabilizers show mixed results for eating disorders. Topiramate may help binge eating and bulimia, but side effects are a concern. Lithium shows some benefit for weight gain in anorexia nervosa.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eating disorders (ED) present complex treatment challenges.
- Mood stabilizers (MS) are increasingly explored for ED management.
- Efficacy and safety data for MS in ED require systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and safety of mood stabilizers in treating eating disorders.
- To assess MS use irrespective of bipolar comorbidity.
- To synthesize evidence on various MS classes in different ED subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of three databases until October 29, 2024.
- Inclusion of empirical studies on MS use in any ED diagnosis.
- Quality assessment using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice rating scale.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three studies were included.
- Topiramate showed promise for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) but has side effects.
- Lithium demonstrated benefits in BED/BN with depression and weight gain in Anorexia Nervosa, with mixed overall evidence.
Conclusions:
- Mood stabilizers have a complex role in ED treatment.
- Personalized treatment strategies are essential, considering efficacy and adverse effects.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of specific MS in different EDs.
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