The partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist aripiprazole is associated with weight gain in adolescent anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Finding medication to support treatment of anorexia nervosa has been difficult. Neuroscience-based approaches may help in this effort. Recent brain imaging studies in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggest that dopamine-related reward circuits are hypersensitive and could provide a treatment target.

METHODS: Here, we present a retrospective chart review of 106 adolescents with anorexia nervosa some of whom were treated with the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole during treatment in a specialized eating disorder program.

RESULTS: The results show that aripiprazole treatment was associated with greater increase in body mass index (BMI) during treatment.

DISCUSSION: The use of dopamine receptor agonists may support treatment success in anorexia nervosa and should be further investigated.