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Bulimia treated with imipramine: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 1, 1983
Summary
This study found that imipramine significantly reduced binge eating in women with bulimia nervosa. Most patients responded well to antidepressant treatment, suggesting a link between bulimia and affective disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Bulimia nervosa, characterized by binge eating, is a severe disorder often unresponsive to treatment.
- Emerging evidence suggests a connection between bulimia and affective (mood) disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of imipramine in treating chronic bulimia nervosa.
- To explore the relationship between bulimia and affective disorders through a placebo-controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 22 women diagnosed with chronic bulimia nervosa.
- Participants received either imipramine or a placebo, with outcomes assessed over time.
Main Results:
- Imipramine treatment led to a significant decrease in the frequency of binge eating episodes.
- Improvements were observed in other eating behavior measures among those treated with imipramine.
- A high response rate (90%) to imipramine or other antidepressants was noted during follow-up (1-8 months).
Conclusions:
- Bulimia nervosa may be linked to underlying affective disorders.
- Imipramine and other antidepressants show promise as effective treatments for bulimia nervosa.
- Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of bulimia and its treatment is warranted.