The effect of atypical antipsychotic medications in individuals with anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Atypical antipsychotic use does not impact weight gain for individuals with extreme anorexia nervosa: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

There are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). Various medication classes have been evaluated for benefits in this population, including antipsychotics. Studies focused on use of antipsychotics for assistance with weight restoration in AN produced conflicting results. While current evidence does not suggest that antipsychotic medications can be generally recommended for persons with AN, some individuals might benefit from an antipsychotic medication for anxiety, mood, and the cognitive distortions that accompany the illness. It is well-established that atypical antipsychotics can cause weight gain when taken by other psychiatric populations. This published data can understandably limit the willingness of persons with AN to trial these medications. Given the conflicting results of studies examining antipsychotic-related weight gain in AN, it is currently hypothesized that individuals with extreme anorexia nervosa, restricting type, do not experience the weight gain seen in other psychiatric populations utilizing atypical antipsychotics.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy-six individuals with extreme AN were enrolled in this retrospective, case-control study between April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2022 utilizing study-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and demographic data, including use of atypical antipsychotics and weights, were retrospectively obtained from chart review. Variables were assessed for normality using univariate statistics. Continuous variables were described using means (M) and standard deviations (SD) or medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) based on normality. Differences in weight gain between cohorts was ascertained via independent samples t-test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant, and all analyses were completed using SAS Enterprise Guide software version 7.1 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and R version 4.3.1 (R Core Team, 2023).

RESULTS

Use of antipsychotics in this population of individuals with extreme AN did not impact the rate of weight gain (M: 1.7 kg/week, SD: 0.9 and 0.8, for cases and controls respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain is often cited by individuals with AN as a feared side effect of antipsychotic medications. In this study, there was no difference in weight trends for individuals taking atypical antipsychotic medications during the refeeding process compared with individuals who were not.

Narcissus' belief about his body: Aspects of narcissism, body image, and eating disorder symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Narcissism may play a role in shaping body image concerns. Here we examined the relationships between narcissism (i.e., agentic extraversion, antagonism, narcissistic neuroticism, leadership/authority, exhibitionism/entitlement) and body image concerns and disturbances (i.e., drive for thinness, drive for muscularity, eating disorder symptoms, body mass index, current/desired fat, and current/desired muscularity).

METHODS

Mechanical Turk workers from the USA (N = 430; 64% male) completed the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Drive for Muscularity Scale, the Drive for Thinness Scale, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short, and the Sex-Specific Somatomorphic Matrixes.

RESULTS

All narcissistic factors were associated with a greater drive for thinness (except for leadership/authority) and for muscularity, more eating disorder symptoms, a greater desired body fat (except for leadership/authority), and a greater current muscularity. Greater agentic extraversion and exhibitionism/entitlement were associated with lower levels of current body fat, and greater antagonism was associated with a greater desired muscularity.

DISCUSSION

Notably, individual differences in narcissism appeared to be important in understanding body image concerns, broadly speaking. We found that narcissism may be associated with body image concerns among both sexes differently, and especially that drive for thinness was more related to narcissism in men. Our results emphasize the importance of narcissism in formulating and treating body image-related disorders for both men and women. Ultimately, narcissistic features of personality may be risk factors for developing and perpetuating body image concerns, and therefore should be considered in assessment, formulation, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders.

Antipsychotic effects on anthropometric outcomes in anorexia nervosa: a retrospective chart review of hospitalized children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Off-label antipsychotic use is not uncommon in youth with anorexia nervosa (AN), aiming to enhance suboptimal weight restoration, yet its efficacy remains debated, especially in youth.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutively admitted inpatients (ages 8-18 years) with restricting/binge-purge AN, comparing youth with versus without antipsychotic treatment regarding baseline factors, treatment, and anthropometric outcome characteristics including all patients and matched subgroups. Matched subsamples were also compared regarding faster versus slower weight change (median split). Furthermore, within-subject analyses compared weight gain trajectories before versus after antipsychotic use in antipsychotic-treated youth. These results were then compared in a pre-/post design with the matched control group without antipsychotic treatment, using the mean duration until antipsychotic use in the antipsychotic-treated group as the dividing timeline, controlling for a potential order effect, in that later rather than earlier antipsychotic treatment for AN may be more successful.

RESULTS

Of 294 youth with AN (median age = 15.2 (interquartile range = 14.0, 16.6) years, females = 96.6%, restricting subtype = 81.0%, hospitalization duration = 98.2 ± 43.2 days), 44 (15.0%) underwent 52 antipsychotic trials (olanzapine = 63.5%). In multivariable analyses, antipsychotic use was independently associated with younger age, childhood physical abuse history, comorbid borderline personality traits, and lower pre-antipsychotic weight gain (p < 0.0001). In unmatched groups, antipsychotic-treated versus non-treated youth had significantly lower discharge anthropometric parameters, longer inpatient treatment, and lower weight change/week (p < 0.001-p = 0.005), without significant differences between olanzapine and non-olanzapine antipsychotics (p = 0.27-0.44). Non-significant antipsychotic effects on weight outcomes were confirmed in (1) matched subgroups of antipsychotic-treated versus non-treated youth (n = 43 each), (2) youth with faster versus slower weight gain (n = 21 vs. n = 22), and (3) antipsychotic-treated youth when comparing weight change before versus after antipsychotic use (n = 31). Moreover, in antipsychotic-treated youth, weight change/week remained significantly lower versus matched non-antipsychotic-treated youth (n = 31) both before (p = 0.053) and after (p = 0.006) the median time (5 weeks) until antipsychotic use.

CONCLUSIONS

In this naturalistic study, clinician's antipsychotic choice, given to a more severely ill subgroup of adolescents with AN, did not significantly improve overall worse weight change trajectories during inpatient treatment, even in matched subgroups. Randomized trials in individuals reflecting real-world samples are needed to evaluate the utility of antipsychotic treatment in youth with AN.

Specific psychological therapies versus other therapies or no treatment for severe and enduring anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Anorexia nervosa is a psychological condition characterised by self-starvation and fear or wait gain or other body image disturbance. The first line of treatment is specific psychological therapy; however, there is no consensus on best practice for treating people who develop severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SEAN). Notably, there is no universal definition of SEAN.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of specific psychological therapies for severe and enduring anorexia nervosa compared with other specific therapies, non-specific therapies, no treatment/waiting list, antidepressant medication, dietary counselling alone, or treatment as usual.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The last search date was 22 July 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included parallel randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people (any age) with anorexia nervosa of at least three years' duration. Eligible experimental interventions were any specific psychological therapy for improved physical and psychological health in anorexia nervosa, conducted in any treatment setting with no restrictions in terms of number of sessions, modality, or duration of therapy. Eligible comparator interventions included any other specific psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa, non-specific psychological therapy for mental health disorders, no treatment or waiting list, antipsychotic treatment (with or without psychological therapy), antidepressant treatment (with or without psychological therapy), dietary counselling, and treatment as usual as defined by the individual trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were clinical improvement (weight restoration to within the normal weight range for participant sample) and treatment non-completion. Results were presented using the GRADE appraisal tool.

MAIN RESULTS

We found two eligible studies, but only one study provided usable data. This was a parallel-group RCT of 63 adults with SEAN who had an illness duration of at least seven years. The trial compared outpatient cognitive behaviour therapy for SEAN (CBT-SEAN) with specialist supportive clinical management for SEAN (SSCM-SE) over eight months. It is unclear if there is any difference between the effect of CBT-SEAN versus SSCM-SE on clinical improvement at 12 months (risk ratio (RR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 3.05) or treatment non-completion (RR 1.72, 95% CI 0.45 to 6.59). There were no reported data on adverse effects. The trial was at high risk of performance and detection bias. We rated the GRADE level of evidence as very low-certainty for both primary outcomes, downgrading for imprecision and risk of bias concerns.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review reports evidence from one trial that evaluated CBT-SEAN versus SSCM-SE. There was very low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in clinical improvement and treatment non-completion between the two therapies. There is a need for larger high-quality trials to determine the benefits of specific psychological therapies for people with SEAN. These should take into account the duration of illness as well as participants' previous experience with evidence-based psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa.

Pharmacotherapy, alternative and adjunctive therapies for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review

BACKGROUND

The current review broadly summarises the evidence base for pharmacotherapies and adjunctive and alternative therapies in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating.

METHODS

This paper forms part of a Rapid Review series examining the evidence base in the field of eating disorders. This was conducted to inform the Australian National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2030. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for included studies published between 2009 and 2021 in English. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and randomised control trials were prioritised, and grey literature excluded. Data from included studies relating to pharmacotherapy, and to adjunctive and alternative therapies in eating disorders, were synthesised and disseminated in the current review.

RESULTS

A total of 121 studies were identified, relating to pharmacotherapy (n = 90), adjunctive therapies (n = 21) and alternative therapies (n = 22). Some of the identified studies involved combinations of the above (e.g. adjunctive pharmacotherapy). Evidence of efficacy of interventions across all three categories was very limited with few relevant high quality clinical trials. There was a particular scarcity of evidence around effective treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). With treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN), fluoxetine has exhibited some efficacy leading to regulatory approval in some countries. With binge eating disorder (BED), recent evidence supports the use of lisdexamfetamine. Neurostimulation interventions show some emerging efficacy in the treatment of AN, BN and BED but some, such as deep brain stimulation can be highly invasive.

CONCLUSION

Despite widespread use of medications, this Rapid Review has identified a lack of effective medications and adjunctive and alternative therapies in the treatment of EDs. An intensification of high-quality clinical trial activity and drug discovery innovation are required to better assist patients suffering from EDs.

World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines update 2023 on the pharmacological treatment of eating disorders

OBJECTIVES

This 2023 update of the WFSBP guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of eating disorders (EDs) reflects the latest diagnostic and psychopharmacological progress and the improved WFSBP recommendations for the assessment of the level of evidence (LoE) and the grade of recommendation (GoR).

METHODS

The WFSBP Task Force EDs reviewed the relevant literature and provided a timely grading of the LoE and the GoR.

RESULTS

In anorexia nervosa (AN), only a limited recommendation (LoE: A; GoR: 2) for olanzapine can be given, because the available evidence is restricted to weight gain, and its effect on psychopathology is less clear. In bulimia nervosa (BN), the current literature prompts a recommendation for fluoxetine (LoE: A; GoR: 1) or topiramate (LoE: A; GoR: 1). In binge-eating disorder (BED), lisdexamfetamine (LDX; LoE: A; GoR: 1) or topiramate (LoE: A; GoR: 1) can be recommended. There is only sparse evidence for the drug treatment of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pica, and rumination disorder (RD).

CONCLUSION

In BN, fluoxetine, and topiramate, and in BED, LDX and topiramate can be recommended. Despite the published evidence, olanzapine and topiramate have not received marketing authorisation for use in EDs from any medicine regulatory agency.

Novel ketamine and zinc treatment for anorexia nervosa and the potential beneficial interactions with the gut microbiome

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe illness with diverse aetiological and maintaining contributors including neurobiological, metabolic, psychological, and social determining factors. In addition to nutritional recovery, multiple psychological and pharmacological therapies and brain-based stimulations have been explored; however, existing treatments have limited efficacy. This paper outlines a neurobiological model of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction, exacerbated by chronic gut microbiome dysbiosis and zinc depletion at a brain and gut level. The gut microbiome is established early in development, and early exposure to stress and adversity contribute to gut microbial disturbance in AN, early dysregulation to glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, interoceptive impairment, and inhibited caloric harvest from food (e.g., zinc malabsorption, competition for zinc ions between gut bacteria and host). Zinc is a key part of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, and also affects leptin and gut microbial function; systems dysregulated in AN. Low doses of ketamine in conjunction with zinc, could provide an efficacious combination to act on NMDA receptors and normalise glutamatergic, GABAergic and gut function in AN.

Efficacy and tolerance of second-generation antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa: A systematic scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are frequently prescribed for the treatment of resistant anorexia nervosa. However, few clinical trials have been conducted so far and no pharmacological treatment has yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic scoping review exploring the effectiveness and safety of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHOD

We conducted a systematic scoping review of the effectiveness and tolerability of SGAs in the management of AN. We included articles published from January 1, 2000, through September 12, 2022 from the PubMed and PsycInfo databases and a complementary manual search. We selected articles about adolescents and adults treated for AN by four SGAs (risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole or olanzapine). This work complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRIMA-ScR) and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository.

RESULTS

This review included 55 articles: 48 assessing the effectiveness of SGAs in AN and 7 focusing only on their tolerability and safety. Olanzapine is the treatment most frequently prescribed and studied with 7 randomized double-blind controlled trials. Other atypical antipsychotics have been evaluated much less often, such as aripiprazole (no randomized trials), quetiapine (two randomized controlled trials), and risperidone (one randomized controlled trial). These treatments are well tolerated with mild and transient adverse effects in this population at particular somatic risk.

DISCUSSION

Limitations prevent the studies both from reaching conclusive, reliable, robust, and reproducible results and from concluding whether or not SGAs are effective in anorexia nervosa. Nonetheless, they continue to be regularly prescribed in clinical practice. International guidelines suggest that olanzapine and aripiprazole can be interesting in severe or first-line resistant clinical situations.

Comorbidities in Youth with Bipolar Disorder: Clinical Features and Pharmacological Management

BACKGROUND

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly comorbid condition, and rates of cooccurring disorders are even higher in youth. Comorbid disorders strongly affect clinical presentation, natural course, prognosis, and treatment.

METHODS

This review focuses on the clinical and treatment implications of the comorbidity between BD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, disruptive behavior disorders (Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder), alcohol and substance use disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and eating disorders.

RESULTS

These associations define specific conditions which are not simply a sum of different clinical pictures, but occur as distinct and complex combinations with specific developmental pathways over time and selective therapeutic requirements. Pharmacological treatments can improve these clinical pictures by addressing the comorbid conditions, though the same treatments may also worsen BD by inducing manic or depressive switches.

CONCLUSION

The timely identification of BD comorbidities may have relevant clinical implications in terms of symptomatology, course, treatment and outcome. Specific studies addressing the pharmacological management of BD and comorbidities are still scarce, and information is particularly lacking in children and adolescents; for this reason, the present review also included studies conducted on adult samples. Developmentally-sensitive controlled clinical trials are thus warranted to improve the prognosis of these highly complex patients, requiring timely and finely personalized therapies.

Treatment of eating disorders: A systematic meta-review of meta-analyses and network meta-analyses

MONTELEONE, A.M., F. Pellegrino, G. Croatto, M. Carfagno, A. Hilbert, J. Treasure, T. Wade, C. Bulik, S. Zipfel, P. Hay, U. Schmidt, G. Castellini, A. Favaro, F. Fernandez-Aranda, J. Il Shin, U. Voderholzer, V. Ricca, D. Moretti, D. Busatta, G. Abbate-Daga, F. Ciullini, G. Cascino, F. Monaco, C.U. Correll and M. Solmi. Treatment of Eating Disorders: a systematic meta-review of meta-analyses and network meta-analyses. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 21(1) XXX-XXX, 2022.- Treatment efficacy for eating disorders (EDs) is modest and guidelines differ. We summarized findings/quality of (network) meta-analyses (N)MA of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in EDs. Systematic meta-review ((N)MA of RCTs, ED, active/inactive control), using (anorexia or bulimia or eating disorder) AND (meta-analy*) in PubMed/PsycINFO/Cochrane database up to December 15th, 2020. Standardized mean difference, odds/risk ratio vs control were summarized at end of treatment and follow-up. Interventions involving family (family-based therapy, FBT) outperformed active control in adults/adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), and in adolescents with bulimia nervosa (BN). In adults with BN, individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-ED had the broadest efficacy versus active control; also, antidepressants outperformed active. In mixed age groups with binge-eating disorder (BED), psychotherapy, and lisdexamfetamine outperformed active control. Antidepressants, stimulants outperformed placebo, despite lower acceptability, as did CBT-ED versus waitlist/no treatment. Family-based therapy is effective in AN and BN (adolescents). CBT-ED has the largest efficacy in BN (adults), followed by antidepressants, as well as psychotherapy in BED (mixed). Medications have short-term efficacy in BED (adults).

The Rise and Fall of Dopamine: A Two-Stage Model of the Development and Entrenchment of Anorexia Nervosa

Dopamine has long been implicated as a critical neural substrate mediating anorexia nervosa (AN). Despite nearly 50 years of research, the putative direction of change in dopamine function remains unclear and no consensus on the mechanistic role of dopamine in AN has been achieved. We hypothesize two stages in AN- corresponding to initial development and entrenchment- characterized by opposite changes in dopamine. First, caloric restriction, particularly when combined with exercise, triggers an escalating spiral of increasing dopamine that facilitates the behavioral plasticity necessary to establish and reinforce weight-loss behaviors. Second, chronic self-starvation reverses this escalation to reduce or impair dopamine which, in turn, confers behavioral inflexibility and entrenchment of now established AN behaviors. This pattern of enhanced, followed by impaired dopamine might be a common path to many behavioral disorders characterized by reinforcement learning and subsequent behavioral inflexibility. If correct, our hypothesis has significant clinical and research implications for AN and other disorders, such as addiction and obesity.

Adjunctive Clotiapine for the Management of Delusions in Two Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa

Clotiapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the management of a series of acute psychotic disorders. The current literature lacks evidence concerning the tolerability and clinical use of this drug in the management of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). In this study, we report two cases of adolescents with AN, treated with clotiapine. The reason for the administration of clotiapine was, for both patients, the manifestation of bizarre delusions concerning food and calories. Patient 1 presented a presyncope after the first dose of clotiapine, and treatment was rapidly discontinued. Patient 2 was treated with clotiapine for 9 months; doses were titrated from 20 mg/day to 70 mg/day, with an improvement in the reported delusions, which also enhanced compliance with psychological and nutritional interventions. EKG, QTc, white blood count, and red blood count were not relevantly influenced by the introduction of clotiapine in either patient. No extrapyramidal effect was documented. These reports stress the need for further studies assessing the tolerability and potential effect of clotiapine in treating adolescents with AN and delusional symptomatology.

Timing of Psychopharmacological and Nutritional Interventions in the Inpatient Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: An Observational Study

This study aims to investigate possible different outcomes in the inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) related to different timings of psychopharmacological and nutritional interventions. A retrospective observational study was conducted, involving young patients hospitalized for AN, treated with naso-gastric tube feeding (NGT). Participants were divided into five groups according to early (0–7 days) or late (8+ days) introduction of atypical antipsychotics (AAP) and NGT: early AAP-early NGT (EE), early AAP-late NGT (EL), late AAP-early NGT (LE), late AAP-late NGT (LL) and a control group treated with NGT only (NGT). Concurrent clinical and treatment variables were analyzed. AN psychopathology was measured with the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) EDRC score. Outcomes were assessed as admission-discharge body-mass index (BMI) improvement and length of hospital stay (LOS). Contributions of variables related to outcomes were assessed with multifactorial-analyses of variance (MANOVA). Seventy-nine patients were enrolled in the study. LOS was different among treatment groups (F (4, 75) = 5.993, p < 0.001), and EE patients showed lower LOS than LE (p < 0.001) and LL (p = 0.025) patients. BMI improvement was not significantly different among treatment groups but correlated negatively with age (F (1, 72) = 10.130, p = 0.002), and admission BMI (F (1, 72) = 14.681, p < 0.001). In conclusion, patients treated with early AAP and early NGT showed lower LOS than those treated with late AAP. Prognostic treatment variables should be investigated in wider samples.

Long-Term Metabolic Monitoring of Youths Treated with Second-Generation Antipsychotics 5 Years after Publication of the CAMESA Guidelines Are We Making Progress? Surveillance Métabolique à Long Terme des Jeunes Traités par Antipsychotiques de Deuxième Génération, Cinq ans Après la publication des Lignes Directrices Camesa: Faisons-Nous des Progrès?

OBJECTIVE

The potential metabolic adverse effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) need to be monitored. The Canadian Alliance for Monitoring Effectiveness and Safety of Antipsychotics (CAMESA) offers guidelines for this purpose. We aimed to evaluate the long-term rates of youths receiving monitoring in mental health clinics and document the factors that may influence them.

METHOD

The charts of 180 patients (13.3 ± 3.1 years, 54.4% males) receiving SGA treatment for the first time between January 2016 and June 2018 were reviewed. Monitoring was divided into baseline and 1- to 6-month and 9- to 24-month periods. Population under study was stratified into children (4 to 12 years) and adolescents (13 to 18 years). Sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis and comorbidities, prescribed SGAs and comedications, anthropometric measures (AM), blood pressure (BP), blood tests (BT), electrocardiogram, and the psychiatrist's years of practice were collected. Cross tables were used to present the monitoring rates. Categories were compared by covariate analysis. Rates of patients monitored across categories were compared using Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Monitoring rates for AM, BT, and BP were 55%, 47.8%, and 46.7% at baseline; 50%, 41.7%, and 45.2% at 1 to 6 months; and 47.2%, 41.5%, and 40.6% at 9 to 24 months, respectively. Higher monitoring rates were significantly associated with adolescent status (baseline, 1 to 6 months), a diagnosis of psychotic and/or affective disorder (baseline, 1 to 6 months, 9 to 24 months), having ≤1 psychiatric comorbidities (1 to 6 months), high SGA dose (baseline, 1 to 6 months), and clinician's experience (baseline, 9 to 24 months). Significantly lower monitoring rates were associated with the psychostimulant/atomoxetine comedication (baseline, 1 to 6 months, 9 to 24 months).

CONCLUSION

Five years after publication of the CAMESA guidelines, metabolic monitoring is conducted for less than half of patients. In our sample, age, diagnostic category, psychiatric comorbidities, SGA dose, clinician's experience, and comedications influenced the monitoring rates. Major progress still needs to be made before reaching a satisfactory level of monitoring.

Is aripiprazole a key to unlock anorexia nervosa?: A case series

Aripiprazole contributes an increase in body mass index and attenuation in anorexia nervosa (AN) symptoms, leading clinical improvements with lower side-effect profile; but it is not enough to cure comorbid depressive symptoms in AN.

Psychotropic medication use in treatment-seeking youth with eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

Psychotropic medication use in youth with eating disorders (EDs) is poorly understood despite high co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders. This study examined characteristics associated with medication use in treatment-seeking youth with EDs.

METHOD

Youth up to age 18 reported on medication use when presenting to an academic medical center outpatient ED service in the United States. Data presented were collected between 1998-2015.

RESULTS

The sample (N = 604) was predominantly female (90.6%) with a mean age of 15.3 years (SD = 2.3). Approximately one-third (30%, n = 173) were taking psychotropic medications (40%, n = 70, were taking multiple medications). Antidepressant use was most common (26%, n = 152), followed by atypical antipsychotics (8%, n = 43). Adjusting for co-occurring psychiatric disorders, non-Hispanic Whites who had received prior treatment (psychotherapy, hospitalization) were significantly more likely to be using medication. Longer illness duration and prior treatment were associated with greater antidepressant use. For atypical antipsychotics, prior hospitalization was associated with greater use.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings confirm moderate psychotropic medication use among young patients with EDs despite a lack of clarity regarding optimally effective pharmacologic interventions in this population. Pharmacological trials examining the efficacy of medications for young patients with EDs are warranted to inform future prescribing practice.

A Meta-Analysis of Dropout and Metabolic Effects of Antipsychotics in Anorexia Nervosa

BACKGROUND

Second-generation antipsychotics are often used off-label in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) across the clinical spectrum. Patients with anorexia nervosa often cite concerns about metabolic effects, such as weight gain, as reasons for their reluctance to start or continue second-generation antipsychotics. Improving our understanding of the metabolic effect patients experience and reasons underlying their disinclination will enable us to build rapport and guide our clinical decisions. We therefore aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of dropouts, metabolic effects, and patient-reported outcomes associated with second-generation antipsychotic in people with AN.

METHOD

EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO were searched for all relevant studies published until 2019, and retrieved studies were assessed for eligibility as per predefined inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to assess overall dropout rates.

RESULTS

Of 983 citations retrieved, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and 10 studies had appropriate data for meta-analysis. Using the random effects model, the pooled dropout rate in the intervention arm (95% confidence interval) from psychopharmacological trials was 28% (19 to 38%) in people with AN. Personal reasons or factors associated with study were commonest reason for dropout, not adverse events or metabolic effects as hypothesized.

CONCLUSION

Compared to personal reasons, drug-related factors such as side effects seem to play a lesser role for the discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment under trial conditions. This suggests an urgent need to consider and fully examine potential individual and patient-related factors that influence dropout rates in psychopharmacological trials and treatment compliance in clinical settings.

Feeding and eating disorders

Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of prevalent psychiatric illnesses with an onset in early to late adolescence-a time of significant neural development, physical and psychologic growth, and self-exploration. The etiology and neurobiology of EDs are not well understood, but EDs are recognized as brain-based illnesses with serious acute and long-term consequences if undertreated or ignored. Two EDs, anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), have historically been the primary EDs of focus. The DSM-5 updated diagnostic criteria for these disorders added two more: binge-eating disorder (BED) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). EDs severely impact males as well as females across the weight spectrum. Comorbidity is high; mortality rates for AN and BN are the highest in psychiatric conditions and higher than many medical conditions. Several treatment options are available to treat an ED ranging from inpatient hospitalization to outpatient services and different psychotherapy options. This chapter reviews the diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, and treatment for these disorders. Where available, sex differences and developmental considerations will be noted. For all EDs, early recognition and swift treatment are necessary to avoid a chronic course.

Medication in AN: A Multidisciplinary Overview of Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews

Drugs are widely prescribed for anorexia nervosa in the nutritional, somatic, and psychiatric fields. There is no systematic overview in the literature, which simultaneously covers all these types of medication. The main aims of this paper are (1) to offer clinicians an overview of the evidence-based data in the literature concerning the medication (psychotropic drugs and medication for somatic and nutritional complications) in the field of anorexia nervosa since the 1960s, (2) to draw practical conclusions for everyday practise and future research. Searches were performed on three online databases, namely MEDLINE, Epistemonikos and Web of Science. Papers published between September 2011 and January 2019 were considered. Evidence-based data were identified from meta-analyses, if there were none, from systematic reviews, and otherwise from trials (randomized or if not open-label studies). Evidence-based results are scarce. No psychotropic medication has proved efficacious in terms of weight gain, and there is only weak data suggesting it can alleviate certain psychiatric symptoms. Concerning nutritional and somatic conditions, while there is no specific, approved medication, it seems essential not to neglect the interest of innovative therapeutic strategies to treat multi-organic comorbidities. In the final section we discuss how to use these medications in the overall approach to the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Psychotropic usage by patients presenting to an academic eating disorders program

PURPOSE

To assess psychotropic use patterns and possible associations with age, eating disorder diagnosis and psychiatric comorbidity in adolescents and young adults with a primary eating disorder.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 86 consecutive patients with a primary eating disorder from August 2012 to December 2014 was conducted. Patients presented for a multidisciplinary evaluation at a United States-based academic program for eating disorders.

RESULTS

Nearly half (45.3%) of the patients reported being on a psychotropic medication. Antidepressants were the most reported category, prescribed in 38.4% of the patients evaluated. There was a significant association between the type of eating disorder and the number of psychotropics prescribed. Patients with a diagnosis of other specified feeding or eating disorder reported more prescriptions upon presentation than patients with anorexia nervosa. Despite the finding that a significant minority of patients had a psychiatric comorbidity, this did not appear to increase the likelihood of psychotropic usage over those diagnosed with an eating disorder alone. In addition, patients with a longer duration of illness and patients with a history of non-suicidal self-injury were more likely to present to treatment on psychotropic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotropic medications appear to be commonly prescribed among individuals evaluated in a tertiary care center for an eating disorder. Given that psychotropics are not recommended as the primary intervention for eating disorders, the frequency may be indicative of practitioners not following research-informed practice guidelines. The differences observed may also reflect complexities related to clinical features or illness history.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V: Descriptive study.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Olanzapine as an Adjunctive Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents: An Open-Label Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adjunctive olanzapine treatment for low weight adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHODS

A non-randomized open-label trial was conducted between 2010 and 2014. Participants received standard treatment and were invited to take olanzapine at study enrollment. Participants could accept, continue, or discontinue olanzapine as treatment progressed. Weight and psychological outcomes were monitored.

RESULTS

Of 239 adolescents assessed, 65 met inclusion criteria, 38 enrolled in the study, and 32 were retained for analysis. Twenty-two participants took olanzapine (medication group) and ten participants did not (comparison group). Participants in the medication group demonstrated a higher rate of weight gain compared to those who did not receive olanzapine (p = .012). No serious adverse events were noted, although seven participants (31.8%) discontinued olanzapine due to a side effect.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that olanzapine may help facilitate weight gain in adolescents with AN. The importance of medical monitoring over the course of treatment is discussed. Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Olanzapine for Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adolescents; http://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01184443.

Advances in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: a review of established and emerging interventions

BACKGROUND

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disabling, deadly and costly mental disorder. Until recently, treatment recommendations were based on expert opinion and limited evidence. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise recent evidence on established and emerging AN treatments and to forecast trends for future developments.

METHODS

We systematically review trials of established treatments and associated process outcome studies from the last 5 years, published since a previous review in this journal. 'Established' treatments were those that are widely used in AN, recommended by guidelines and/or have been tested in at least one large randomised controlled trial. Secondly, we summarise emerging treatments for AN, i.e. those that have only been (or are currently being) tested in proof-of concept, feasibility or pilot trials.

RESULTS

We identified 19 published trials of established treatments (15 of high or moderate quality), mostly assessing psychological therapies (n = 17). We also found 11 published trials of emerging treatments, and a total of 34 registered, as yet unpublished trials. Promising emerging treatments include cognitive remediation therapy, exposure therapy and non-invasive neuromodulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence generation on the treatment of AN has dramatically accelerated, with our understanding of the role of family-based approaches for adolescents more nuanced and a range of psychological approaches available for the treatment of adults. Evidence on emerging treatments and from forthcoming trials suggests that there is a shift towards more targeted brain-based interventions. Future studies need to focus on elucidating mechanisms of action of treatments and what works best for whom.

Enhancing metabolic monitoring for children and adolescents using second-generation antipsychotics

The prevalence of children and adolescents using second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has increased significantly in recent years. In this population, SGAs are used to treat mood and behavioural disorders although considered 'off-label' or not approved for these indications. Metabolic monitoring is the systematic physical health assessment of antipsychotic users utilized to detect cardiovascular and endocrine side effects and prevent adverse events such as weight gain, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, and arrhythmias. This practice ensures safe and efficacious SGA use among children and adolescents. Despite widely available, evidence-based metabolic monitoring guidelines, rates of monitoring continue to be suboptimal; this exposes children to the unnecessary risk of developing poor cardiovascular health and long-term disease. In this discursive paper, existing approaches to metabolic monitoring as well as challenges to implementing monitoring guidelines in practice are explored. The strengths and weaknesses of providing metabolic monitoring across outpatient psychiatry, primary care, and collaborative community settings are discussed. We suggest that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving metabolic monitoring care for children and adolescents using SGA in all settings. However, we advocate for a pragmatic global approach to enhance safety of children and adolescents taking SGAs through collaboration among healthcare disciplines with a focus on integrating nurses as champions of metabolic monitoring.

Patient, Treatment, and Health Care Utilization Variables Associated with Adherence to Metabolic Monitoring Practices in Children and Adolescents Taking Second-Generation Antipsychotics

OBJECTIVE

Children and adolescents with a range of psychiatric disorders are increasingly being prescribed atypical or second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). While SGAs are effective at treating conduct and behavioural symptoms, they infer significant cardiometabolic risk. This study aims to explore what patient, treatment, and health care utilization variables are associated with adherence to Canadian Alliance for Monitoring Effectiveness and Safety of Antipsychotics in Children (CAMESA) metabolic monitoring guidelines.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review of 294 children and adolescents accessing a large outpatient psychiatry setting within a 2-year study period (2014-2016) was conducted. Baseline and follow-up metabolic monitoring, demographic, treatment, and health care utilization variables were then assessed over a 1-year period of interest.

RESULTS

Metabolic monitoring practices did not adhere to CAMESA guidelines and were very poor over the 1-year observation period. There were significant differences between children (ages 4-12 years, n = 99) and adolescents (ages 13-18 years, n = 195). In adolescents, factors associated with any baseline metabolic monitoring were a higher number of psychiatry visits (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 1.41), longer duration of contact (OR, 14; 95% CI, 2.31 to 82.4), and use of other non-SGA medications (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.17 to 8.94). Among children, having an emergency room visit (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.01 to 11.71) and taking aripiprazole (OR, 7.4; 95% CI, 2.02 to 27.45) increased the odds of receiving baseline metabolic monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study highlight the need for better metabolic monitoring for children and adolescents taking SGAs. Enhanced focus on opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to improve the quality of care offered to this population.

Can temporary cessation of CBT really be therapeutic? A case study

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a notoriously costly and challenging psychiatric illness to treat. Despite an accumulating evidence base, psychological treatment fails to achieve symptom abstinence in many patients with eating disorders, a shortcoming that is likely to be further pronounced in AN. The case study reported here describes how a mutually agreed break in a course of psychotherapy following an initial lack of progress might have influenced outcome for a client with a severe eating disorder. The patient received 26 sessions of CBT and results, consistent with those of larger studies, showed significant improvement on primary symptom measures. These results are discussed in the context of relevant psychological theories and an exploration of the client's motivation. Consideration is also given to other factors that may have influenced outcome.

Identification des pratiques prometteuses dans le traitement de l’anorexie mentale

L’anorexie mentale inquiète, d’une part, car elle est associée à de nombreuses complications médicales et, d’autre part, car elle est liée à un mauvais pronostic. Face à ces constats, il est impératif que les traitements les plus efficaces soient offerts aux personnes présentant une anorexie mentale. Cet article vise à présenter une revue systématique de la littérature portant sur les modalités thérapeutiques prometteuses dans le domaine de l’anorexie mentale. Parmi celles-ci, notons le traitement ambulatoire, l’importance d’une équipe multidisciplinaire ainsi que différentes approches psychothérapeutiques, dont l’approche familiale.

Comparison of associated features and drug treatment between co-occurring unipolar and bipolar disorders in depressed eating disorder patients

BACKGROUND

To examine the differences of associated characteristics and prescription drug use between co-occurring unipolar and bipolar disorders in patients with eating disorders (EDs).

METHODS

Patients with EDs and major depressive episode (MDE) were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics. They were interviewed and completed self-administered measures assessing eating and general psychopathology. The prescribed drugs at the index outpatient visit were recorded. Clinical characteristics and prescription drugs of groups with major depressive disorder (ED-MDD), MDE with lifetime mania (ED-BP I), and MDE with lifetime hypomania (ED-BP II) were compared. Continuous variables between groups were compared using generalized linear regression with adjustments of age, gender, and ED subtype for pair-wise comparisons. Multivariate logistic regression with adjustments of age, gender, and ED subtype was employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals between groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-seven patients with EDs had a current MDE. Among them, 17.2% and 24.2% experienced associated manic and hypomanic episodes, respectively. Bipolar I and II patients displayed significantly poorer weight regulation, more severe impulsivity and emotional lability, and higher rates of co-occurring alcohol use disorders than ED-MDD patients. ED-BP I patients were found to have the lowest IQ, poorest working memory, and the most severe depression, suicidality and functional impairment among all patients. Patients with ED-BP II shared affect and behavioral dysregulations with ED-BP I, but had less severe degrees of cognitive and functional impairments than ED-BP I. Patients with ED-BP I were significantly less likely than those in the ED-MDD and ED-BP II groups to be on antidepressant monotherapy, but a great rate (27%) of ED-BP I individuals taking antidepressant monotherapy had potential risk of mood switch during the course of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified discriminative features of bipolar I and II disorders from MDD among a group of depressed ED patients. We suggest that the associated mania, hypomania, and mood lability are predictors of clinical severity and should be identified from ED patients presented with depressive features. Accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorders may have implications for pharmacotherapy in patients with EDs.

Psychotropic medications in adult and adolescent eating disorders: clinical practice versus evidence-based recommendations

AIM

The current study examined the frequency of psychotropic prescriptions in a clinical sample of eating disorder (ED) patients confirming earlier research indicating their use is very common but inconsistent with evidence-based recommendations.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 501 ED patients admitted to an adult partial hospitalization or adolescent residential program. Patients were divided into two diagnostic groups: anorexia nervosa (AN = 287) and bulimia nervosa (BN = 214), as well as two age groups: adults (age ≥18; N = 318) and adolescents (age <18; N = 183).

RESULTS

Forty-one different psychotropic medications (891 prescriptions in all) were prescribed for 429 patients. Overall, 85.6 % of the total sample reported using one or more psychotropic medications. Of 429 patients using any medications, 46.9 % were on two or more, 25.3 % on three or more, and 11.0 % four or more. Antidepressants were most commonly prescribed (89.5 % of those on medication) with no significant differences in usage patterns based on diagnosis. However, there was greater medication use among adults (89.6 %) compared to adolescents (78.7 %). Results indicate psychotropic medication prescription is more widespread in a clinical sample than in an earlier report screening for osteoporosis in AN women.

DISCUSSION

Treatment recommendations suggest medication should not be the primary treatment for EDs and empirical evidence demonstrates their ineffectiveness in AN. Nevertheless, there were no differences in frequency found between diagnostic groups, confirming little relationship between evidence-based recommendations and actual clinical use for those referred to a specialized ED treatment facility. This study adds new evidence regarding age-based comparisons of psychotropic prescription frequency in clinical EDs and comparison between AN and BN which has not been examined in earlier studies.

BDNF-Val66Met variant and adolescent stress interact to promote susceptibility to anorexic behavior in mice

There is an urgent need to identify therapeutic targets for anorexia nervosa (AN) because current medications do not impact eating behaviors that drive AN's high mortality rate. A major obstacle to developing new treatments is the lack of animal models that recapitulate the pattern of disease onset typically observed in human populations. Here we describe a translational mouse model to study interactions between genetic, psychological and biological risk factors that promote anorexic behavior. We combined several factors that are consistently associated with increased risk of AN-adolescent females, genetic predisposition to anxiety imposed by the BDNF-Val66Met gene variant, social isolation stress and caloric restriction (CR). Approximately 40% of the mice with all of these risk factors will exhibit severe self-imposed dietary restriction, sometimes to the point of death. We systematically varied the risk factors outlined above to explore how they interact to influence anorexic behavior. We found that the Val66Met genotype markedly increases the likelihood and severity of abnormal feeding behavior triggered by CR, but only when CR is imposed in the peri-pubertal period. Incidence of anorexic behavior in our model is dependent on juvenile exposure to social stress and can be extinguished by adolescent handling, but is discordant from anxiety-like behavior. Thus, this study characterized gene × environment interactions during adolescence that could be the underlying driver of abnormal eating behavior in certain AN patients, and represents a promising system to identify possible targets for therapeutic intervention.

Anorexia nervosa: aetiology, assessment, and treatment

Anorexia nervosa is an important cause of physical and psychosocial morbidity. Recent years have brought advances in understanding of the underlying psychobiology that contributes to illness onset and maintenance. Genetic factors influence risk, psychosocial and interpersonal factors can trigger onset, and changes in neural networks can sustain the illness. Substantial advances in treatment, particularly for adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, point to the benefits of specialised family-based interventions. Adults with anorexia nervosa too have a realistic chance of achieving recovery or at least substantial improvement, but no specific approach has shown clear superiority, suggesting a combination of re-nourishment and anorexia nervosa-specific psychotherapy is most effective. To successfully fight this enigmatic illness, we have to enhance understanding of the underlying biological and psychosocial mechanisms, improve strategies for prevention and early intervention, and better target our treatments through improved understanding of specific disease mechanisms.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe weight loss and secondary problems associated with malnutrition. AN predominantly develops in adolescence in the peripubertal period. Without early effective treatment, the course is protracted with physical, psychological and social morbidity and high mortality. Despite these effects, patients are noted to value the beliefs and behaviours that contribute to their illness rather than regarding them as problematic, which interferes with screening, prevention and early intervention. Involving the family to support interventions early in the course of the illness can produce sustained changes; however, those with a severe and/or protracted illness might require inpatient nursing support and/or outpatient psychotherapy. Prevention programmes aim to moderate the overvaluation of 'thinness' and body dissatisfaction as one of the proximal risk factors. The low prevalence of AN limits the ability to identify risk factors and to study the timing and sex distribution of the condition. However, genetic profiles, premorbid features, and brain structures and functions of patients with AN show similarities with other psychiatric disorders and contrast with obesity and metabolic disorders. Such studies are informing approaches to address the neuroadaptation to starvation and the other various physical and psychosocial deficits associated with AN. This Primer describes the epidemiology, diagnosis, screening and prevention, aetiology, treatment and quality of life of patients with AN.

Association of Beck Depression Inventory score and Temperament and Character Inventory-125 in patients with eating disorders and severe malnutrition

The authors investigated the association between personality and physical/mental status in malnourished patients with eating disorders. A total of 45 patients with anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders were included and compared with 39 healthy controls. Personality characteristics and severity of depression were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory-125 and Beck's Depression Inventory. Depression correlated with harm avoidance and self-directedness in both cases and controls. Body mass index did not correlate with personality in either group. These findings should be verified by longitudinal studies with higher weight/weight recovered patients.

ESCAP Expert Paper: New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa--a European perspective

Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening disorder with a typical onset in adolescence and high rates of medical complications and psychiatric comorbidity. This article summarizes issues relating to classification in DSM-5 and presents a narrative review of key evidence-based medical and behavioral interventions for adolescent AN and subthreshold restricting eating disorders, mainly, but not exclusively published between 2012 and 2014. In addition, it systematically compares the clinical guidelines of four European countries (Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom) and outlines common clinical practice, in relation to treatment settings, nutritional rehabilitation, family-oriented and individual psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment. With the exception of family-based treatment, which is mainly evaluated and practiced in Anglo-American countries, the evidence base is weak, especially for medical interventions such as refeeding and pharmacological intervention. There is a need for common European research efforts, to improve the available evidence base and resulting clinical guidance.

Use of Psychopharmacologic Medications in Adolescents With Restrictive Eating Disorders: Analysis of Data From the National Eating Disorder Quality Improvement Collaborative

PURPOSE

Psychopharmacologic medications are often prescribed to patients with restrictive eating disorders (EDs), and little is known about the frequency of use in adolescents. We examined the use of psychopharmacologic medications in adolescents referred for treatment of restrictive ED, potential factors associated with their use, and reported psychiatric comorbidities.

METHODS

Retrospective data from the initial and 1-year visits were collected for patients referred for evaluation of restrictive ED at 12 adolescent-based ED programs during 2010 (Group 1), including diagnosis, demographic information, body mass index, prior treatment modalities, and psychopharmacologic medications. Additional data regarding patients' comorbid psychiatric conditions and classes of psychopharmacologic medications were obtained from six sites (Group 2).

RESULTS

Overall, 635 patients met inclusion criteria and 359 had 1-year follow-up (Group 1). At intake, 20.4% of Group 1 was taking psychopharmacologic medication and 58.7% at 1 year (p ≤ .0001). White, non-Hispanic race (p = .020), and prior higher level of care (p < .0001) were positively associated with medication use at 1 year. Among Group 2 (n = 256), serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors use was most common, and 62.6% had a reported psychiatric comorbidity. Presence of any psychiatric comorbidity was highly associated with medication use; odds ratio, 10.0 (5.6, 18.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with restrictive ED treated at referral centers have high rates of reported psychopharmacologic medication use and psychiatric comorbidity. As more than half of this referral population were reported to be taking medication, continued investigation is warranted to ensure the desired outcomes of the medications are being met.

Has the time come for a staging model to map the course of eating disorders from high risk to severe enduring illness? An examination of the evidence

AIM

To examine the evidence to support using a staging heuristic for eating disorders, suggesting that the diagnosis of an eating disorder follows a trajectory across the life course. Specifically, to examine whether high-risk markers and prodromal features presenting in childhood and adolescence can later transition to the full manifestation of the illness in early adulthood, and whether over time, the illness can be described as becoming severe and enduring, often resistant to treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search on the MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from using the following terms: staging, duration of illness, early intervention, developmental epidemiology, neurobiological marker, phenotype, partial syndrome, severe enduring, chronic, prospective, longitudinal, cohort, epidemiology, adolescent, adult with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, eating disorder. The evidence was organized according to the staging heuristic defined by McGorry.

RESULTS

Evidence from epidemiological studies, neuropsychological findings, treatment responsivity and prognosis, support a specific staging trajectory for anorexia nervosa in that there is a longitudinal trajectory with evidence of neurobiological progression and evidence that interventions matched to stage of illness may optimize the benefit. There is less data at the moment to support such a model for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

The staging heuristic is a useful model for anorexia nervosa in terms of providing prognostic information and stage matched interventions. Although the evidence is encouraging, further research is needed before a similar model could be applied for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

The psychopharmacological management of eating disorders in children and adolescents

In this review we synthesised current literature on the psychopharmacological management of eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents (C&As). We focus specifically on anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). The treatment of EDs is determined by physical and psycho-social factors and needs. Pharmacological management should therefore be viewed and incorporated as one component of a multi-disciplinary comprehensive treatment plan for specific requirements of a patient depending on the stage of the disorder. As there is a dearth of studies evaluating the use of psychopharmacology for EDs in C&As we first review the findings from studies performed in adults and then discuss specific studies performed in C&As. We include information from reviews and treatment guidelines to assist the clinician with an approach to the use of psychopharmacological agents in the treatment of EDs in C&As.

Psychopharmacologic treatment of eating disorders: emerging findings

Psychopharmacologic treatment is playing a greater role in the management of patients with eating disorders. In this paper, we review randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and other eating disorders over the past 3 years. Fluoxetine remains the only medication approved for an eating disorder, that being BN. RCTs of antipsychotics in AN have had mixed results; the only agent with some evidence of efficacy is olanzapine. One study suggests dronabinol may induce weight gain in AN. Preliminary studies suggest lack of efficacy of alprazolam, dehydroepiandrosterone, or physiologic estrogen replacement in AN; erythromycin in BN; and the opioid antagonist ALKS-33 in BED. In BED with obesity or overweight, bupropion may cause mild weight loss without seizures, and chromium may improve glucose regulation. Also in BED, three RCTs suggest the stimulant prodrug lisdexamfetamine may reduce binge eating episodes, and another RCT suggests intranasal naloxone may decrease time spent binge eating. There remains a disconnection between the size of eating disorders as a public health problem and the lack of pharmacotherapy research of these conditions.

Atypical antipsychotics as augmentation therapy in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a life-threatening and difficult to treat mental illness with the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. We aimed to garner preliminary data on the real-world use of olanzapine and aripiprazole as augmentation agents of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in adult inpatients affected by AN. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical charts of patients who were hospitalized between 2012 and 2014. Patients were evaluated upon admission and discharge. We investigated eating symptomatology, and both general and eating psychopathology using: Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Yale-Brown-Cornell Eating Disorders Scale. The charts of 75 patients were included in this study. The sample resulted equally distributed among those receiving SSRIs and either aripiprazole or olanzapine in addition to SSRIs. Notwithstanding a few baseline clinical differences, upon discharge all groups were significantly improved on all measures. Interestingly, aripiprazole showed the greatest effectiveness in reducing eating-related preoccupations and rituals with a large effect size. The body of evidence on medication management in AN is in dismal condition. Augmentation therapy is a well-established approach to a variety of mental disorders and it is often used in every-day clinical practice with patients affected by AN as well. Nevertheless, to date very little data is available on this topic. Results from our sample yielded promising results on the effectiveness of aripiprazole augmentation in reducing eating-related obsessions and compulsions. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these encouraging findings.

Second-Generation Antipsychotic Drugs in Anorexia Nervosa: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) are increasingly administered to achieve weight gain in anorexia nervosa. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine if any evidence for this treatment option can be derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Based on the 'World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Eating Disorders', a systematic update literature search was applied to identify all RCTs investigating the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of SGAs in anorexia nervosa in comparison to placebo/no treatment. The primary outcome was weight gain measured by mean change in body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes were mean changes in Yale-Brown-Cornell Eating Disorders Scale (YBC-EDS) total score and Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) total score and premature discontinuation of treatment. Employing a random-effects model standardized mean differences based on Hedges's g and Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios were calculated. Results: Seven RCTs (n = 201) investigating olanzapine (N = 4), quetiapine (N = 2), and risperidone (N = 1) were included. We found no statistically significant between-group differences for mean BMI change when pooling the SGAs (N = 7, n = 161; Hedges's g = 0.13, 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.43; p = 0.4) and when examining the individual drugs. Furthermore, the SGAs failed to differentiate statistically significantly from placebo/no treatment for all secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Based on the current evidence, pharmacological treatment of anorexia nervosa with SGAs cannot be generally recommended although some individuals or subgroups of patients might benefit from an antipsychotic medication. Further research is required to identify which patients will likely benefit from such a treatment option. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Alexithymia in anorexia nervosa: the mediating role of depression

The role of depression in the expression of alexithymia in anorexia nervosa (AN) has been controversially explained and several variables that may mask or increase the presence of emotional difficulties have scant examination in previous studies. This study aims to analyze the associations between alexithymia and state variables, such as age, BMI, illness duration, treatment duration, and medication status in AN participants, and to test the mediating role of depression in emotional difficulties. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were administrated to 160 females: 80 participants with AN and 80 healthy controls. High levels of alexithymia were not a function of state variables. The mediating role of depression differed by the alexithymia dimension, with total mediation found for the TAS-DDF and partial mediation found for the TAS-DIF. Alexithymia is a relevant feature throughout the spectrum of AN and does not seem to be related to developmental maturation and some clinical features. Depression is probably the variable that best accounts for the variance in alexithymia, but is not a complete explanation for the known cognitive-affective disturbances in AN. Specific emotional competencies require scrutiny during psychiatric treatment.

Inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric disease. Choice of acute inpatient care for AN is driven by the severity of symptoms and the level of risk to the patient. Inpatient hospitalization of patients with AN typically includes a behavioral weight gain protocol that is designed to address the core features of the disorder: weight, appetite, and distorted thoughts and behavior. Some add-on treatments may also be included in the inpatient treatment model and may have potential benefits, including faster or greater weight gain; such treatments include psychotherapy, psychoeducation, pharmacological treatment, and nutritional replacement.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that have compared the efficacy of different forms of add-on treatment delivered during admission to a 24-hour hospital and to summarize the existing data regarding weight gain associated with such pharmacological, medical, and psychological interventions.

METHODS

Systematic electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify published RCTs concerning inpatient treatment of AN. Weight gain was used as the main outcome variable.

RESULTS

Overall, no significant increase in weight recovery was reported with atypical antipsychotics compared to placebo or therapy as usual. Only one study showed slight benefits in young patients during hospitalization (d=0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.09-1.64). No significant effects on weight recovery were found for antidepressants (d=-0.10; 95% CI=-0.63-0.42). In addition, none of the add-on psychotherapy techniques that were evaluated demonstrated superiority compared with control interventions in the inpatient setting. Cyclic enteral nutrition was studied in one RCT in which it demonstrated superiority compared to oral refeeding only (d=0.97; 95% CI=0.51-1.47). Other less common treatments such as bright light therapy and lithium carbonate were not found to produce additional significant weight improvement compared with placebo.

CONCLUSION

Most add-on treatments during the acute inpatient phase of AN treatment are not effective in increasing weight recovery. Long-term follow-up studies after the acute treatment phase are needed to make evidence-based recommendations.

Eating disorders and psychosis: Seven hypotheses

Psychotic disorders and eating disorders sometimes occur in the same person, and sometimes, but not always, at the same time. This can cause diagnostic confusion and uncertainty about treatment. This paper examines seven ways in which symptoms of both conditions can co-exist. The literature on this topic consists to a large extent of case reports, so that firm conclusions cannot be drawn from their examination. There is no consistent sequence in the co-occurrence of the two conditions-eating disorders sometimes precede, and sometimes follow the onset of psychosis. The advent of the psychosis, and sometimes the treatment of the psychosis can cure the eating disorder, but it can sometimes aggravate it. Psychosis is not necessarily a mark of severity in the course of an eating disorder, and food refusal can occur independent of severity in psychotic illness, but it can be a cause of death. There is some genetic association and some overlap of physiologic, cognitive and brain structure deficits in the two types of disorder. The connection between the two, however, remains speculative. The area of comorbidity and overlapping symptoms in psychiatry requires more research. Clinical recommendations include attention to the different individual ways in which these two disparate conditions often overlap.

Psychotherapy in anorexia nervosa: What does the absence of evidence mean?

Psychological treatment in anorexia nervosa (AN) is disheartening. Psychotherapy is the “treatment of choice” for adults though this recommendation is grounded on the absence of good quality clinical studies. This paper seeks to address the question of why improvements in the psychological treatment of AN have been thwarted, and why one of the best treatments available for adult patients is specialist supportive clinical management that has entered the stage through the backdoor of nonspecific supportive treatments originally serving as a placebo treatment assigned in randomized clinical trials to control for non-specific aspects of true psychosocial treatments. The possibility that most of the psychopathological features that characterise the AN symptoms profile could be best understood as the direct consequences of emaciation would enhance the utility of research with animal models for generating new hypothesis to improve AN treatment.

Weight gain and antipsychotics: a drug safety review

INTRODUCTION

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used in several psychiatric disease entities and exert to a different extent a risk for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG). As AIWG is associated with an increase in metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular events, knowledge of these risks is crucial for further monitoring and the initiation of counteractive measures.

AREAS COVERED

We searched PubMed and Web of Sciences for randomized-controlled trials and naturalistic observational studies published between 2010 and 2014 with sample sizes exceeding 100, including all marketed SGAs apart from zotepine, and providing data on weight increase. We also summarized relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses of head-to-head comparisons.

EXPERT OPINION

Recently published data still support the hierarchical ranking of SGAs already proposed in previous reviews ranking clozapine and olanzapine as having the highest risk, followed by amisulpride, asenapine, iloperidone, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone and sertindole in the middle, and aripiprazole, lurasidone and ziprasidone with the lowest risk. Number needed to harm varied considerably in our meta-analysis. Younger patients and patients with a lower baseline body mass index are most vulnerable. The greatest amount of weight gain occurs within the first weeks of treatment. AIWG occurs in all diagnostic groups and is also common in treatment with first-generation antipsychotics; therefore, awareness of this adverse event is essential for anyone prescribing antipsychotics.

Could dopamine agonists aid in drug development for anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder most commonly starting during the teenage-years and associated with food refusal and low body weight. Typically there is a loss of menses, intense fear of gaining weight, and an often delusional quality of altered body perception. Anorexia nervosa is also associated with a pattern of high cognitive rigidity, which may contribute to treatment resistance and relapse. The complex interplay of state and trait biological, psychological, and social factors has complicated identifying neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the illness. The dopamine D1 and D2 neurotransmitter receptors are involved in motivational aspects of food approach, fear extinction, and cognitive flexibility. They could therefore be important targets to improve core and associated behaviors in anorexia nervosa. Treatment with dopamine antagonists has shown little benefit, and it is possible that antagonists over time increase an already hypersensitive dopamine pathway activity in anorexia nervosa. On the contrary, application of dopamine receptor agonists could reduce circuit responsiveness, facilitate fear extinction, and improve cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa, as they may be particularly effective during underweight and low gonadal hormone states. This article provides evidence that the dopamine receptor system could be a key factor in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa and dopamine agonists could be helpful in reducing core symptoms of the disorder. This review is a theoretical approach that primarily focuses on dopamine receptor function as this system has been mechanistically better described than other neurotransmitters that are altered in anorexia nervosa. However, those proposed dopamine mechanisms in anorexia nervosa also warrant further study with respect to their interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin pathways.

Hungry for reward: How can neuroscience inform the development of treatment for Anorexia Nervosa?

Dysfunctional reward from the pursuit of thinness presents a major challenge to recovery from Anorexia Nervosa (AN). We explore the neuroscientific basis of aberrant reward in AN, with the aim of generating novel hypotheses for translational investigation, and elucidate disease mechanisms to inform the development of targeted interventions. Relevant neuroimaging and behavioural studies are reviewed. These suggest that altered eating in AN may be a consequence of aberrant reward processing combined with exaggerated cognitive control. We consider evidence that such aberrant reward processing is reflected in the compulsive behaviours characterising AN, with substantial overlap in the neural circuits implicated in reward processing and compulsivity. Drawing on contemporary neuroscientific theories of substance dependence, processes underpinning the shift from the initially rewarding pursuit of thinness to extreme and compulsive weight control behaviours are discussed. It is suggested that in AN, weight loss behaviour begins as overtly rewarding, goal-directed and positively reinforced, but over time becomes habitual and increasingly negatively reinforced. Excessive habit formation is suggested as one underlying mechanism perpetuating compulsive behaviour. Ongoing research into the behavioural and neural basis of aberrant reward in AN is required to further elucidate mechanisms. We discuss clinical and transdiagnostic implications, and propose that future treatment innovation may benefit from the development of novel interventions targeting aberrant reward processing in AN.