Aripiprazole in anorexia nervosa and low-weight bulimia nervosa: case reports.

OBJECTIVE: There has been much interest in the use of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, newer, more weight-neutral medications have not been studied in AN, and there are no reports of the use of antipsychotics in bulimia nervosa (BN).

METHOD: We report on the treatment of eight patients (five with AN and three with BN) with aripiprazole for time periods of four months to more than three years.

RESULTS: All individuals had reduced distress around eating, fewer obsessional thoughts about food, weight and body image, significant lessening of eating-disordered behaviors, and gradual weight restoration where appropriate. Depression, generalized anxiety, and cognitive flexibility improved as well.

DISCUSSION: In summary, these findings support the need to perform controlled trials of aripiprazole in AN and BN.