Biological Treatment for Anorexia : Drug Treatment

• What neurotransmitter is found at low levels in anorexic patients?

  Serotonin
• How does low serotonin affect anorexic patients?

  It increases anxiety, triggering anorexia
• What are the three common classes of drugs prescribed for anorexia?

  Antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers
• What symptoms do drug treatments for anorexia help with?

  Co-morbid symptoms like depression and anxiety
• What do SSRIs do in the brain?

  Block reuptake of serotonin in neurons
• What is the effect of SSRIs on serotonin levels?

  Increases availability in the synapse
• What did Kaye et al's study find about fluoxetine?

  Patients on fluoxetine had lower relapse rates
• What is a limitation of drug treatment for anorexia?

  Effects are reversible after withdrawal
• How might drugs help with other therapies like CBT?

  They reduce stress, aiding therapy engagement
• What does the EPHX2 gene metabolize?

  Cholesterol
• How does starvation in anorexia affect serotonin levels?

  It lowers serotonin levels in the body
• What happens when individuals with anorexia eat food?

  Serotonin spikes, causing nausea
• What cycle does the rapid production of serotonin create in anorexia?

  A cycle of fear and restriction
• What did Ferguson et al's study find about SSRIs?

  No significant difference in clinical symptoms
• What is serotonin syndrome?

  Fainting, seizures, and nausea from medication
• What percentage of patients experienced suicidal thoughts on antidepressants?

  2-4%
• What do first-generation antipsychotics target?

  D2 receptors to reduce excess dopamine
• What is the maintenance dose duration for second-generation antipsychotics?

  12 months
• What did Dally and Sergeant find about chlorpromazine?

  It led to weight gain in patients
• What is a serious side effect of antipsychotic drugs?

  Some patients suffered seizures
• Who decides on the medication for anorexia treatment?

  A doctor or psychiatrist
• What is a limitation of the decision-making process for medication?

  It may be a form of social control
• What is olanzapine used for?

  To treat anxiety by blocking dopamine absorption
• How does olanzapine affect patients with anorexia?

  Helps with obsessive thinking and weight gain
• What did Powers et al find about olanzapine in their study?

  10 out of 18 patients gained weight
• What is a limitation of drug treatment for anorexia?

  It does not target the main symptom of weight
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of drug treatments for anorexia?

  Strengths:

  • Help with co-morbid symptoms
  • Can aid in therapy engagement

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Effects are reversible
  • Serious side effects like seizures
  • May not target main symptoms
• What is an alternative treatment to drug therapy for anorexia?

  • Token economy
  • More individualized approach
  • Likely to be more successful