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• Highlights
• Introduction
• Risk Factors
• Causes
• Complications of Bulimia
• Complications of Anorexia
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Treatment for Bulimia
• Treatment for Anorexia
• Therapy
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Eating disorders

Description

An in-depth report on the treatment and prevention of eating disorders.

Alternative Names

Anorexia; Bulimia; Binge eating

Highlights

Prozac Not Helpful for Anorexia Nervosa

Antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) are not helpful for patients with anorexia nervosa, indicates an important 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association . The study found that fluoxetine neither helped patients gain weight nor protected against relapse after weight restoration. The researchers recommend that more emphasis be placed on behavioral and psychological interventions, rather than on antidepressant drug therapy.

Preventing Eating Disorders

Cognitive-behavioral strategies may help prevent the development of eating disorders in adolescent women, particularly those who are overweight. A 2006 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry reported success with an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral program that targeted at-risk college-age women. The women were taught how to become more comfortable with their body weight and image. The program also provided education on healthy eating and weight management.

Pregnancy Complications and Eating Disorder Risks

Complications during pregnancy and after birth may be associated with the subsequent development of eating disorders, according to a 2006 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry . Researchers identified specific maternal and newborn problems that may increase the risk for developing either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. These complications included maternal anemia, placental tissue destruction, and below-normal birth weight and length. Researchers think that obstetric complications may cause fetal brain injury that can eventually lead to eating disorders.

Mothers with Anorexia Nervosa Can Have Safe Pregnancies

A history of anorexia nervosa -- even if it is severe -- does not increase the risks of pregnancy complications or poor birth outcomes, suggests a 2006 study in a British obstetrical journal. Researchers found that the only difference in birth outcomes between mothers with anorexia nervosa and those without eating disorders was a slightly lower-than-normal birth weight among infants born to mothers with anorexia. However, other studies have indicated that eating disorders may cause pregnancy and birth complications.

• Review Date: 12/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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