Hyperalimentation in treatment of anorexia nervosa

Ten patients with anorexia nervosa were treated with intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) and/or psychotherapy. The five patients were treated with both IVH and psychotherapy. The five patients were treated with both IVH and psychotherapy. Their body weight rose from 66 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE) to 78 +/- 6% of their ideal weight during hospitalization, and then to 91 +/- 5% during ambulatory observation for a period of 6 to 36 months. Another group of 5 patients were treated only with psychotherapy. Their body weight increased 69 +/- 3% to 73 +/- 1% of their ideal weight during hospitalization, and then to 78 +/- 1% during during the observation period at the out-patient department during a period of 6 to 48 months. The former group gained more weight than the latter group during hospitalization (P less than 0.025) and during ambulatory observation (P less than 0.025), respectively. These results suggest that IVH is one effective remedy for anorexia nervosa and that good results can be expected from IVH and psychotherapy used in combination.