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Anorexia; Bulimia; Binge eating
Some doctors recommend a stepped approach for patients with bulimia, which follow specific stages depending on the severity and response to initial treatments:
Patients with bulimia rarely need hospitalization except under the following circumstances:
Psychologic Therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line of therapy for most patients with bulimia and is successful in over half of cases. Patients who do not respond to CBT tend to be less committed to the treatment, are more preoccupied with their symptoms, and have ritualized eating behaviors. Interpersonal therapy may be tried if CBT fails. In interpersonal therapy (also known as "talk therapy"), therapists help patients explore how social and family relationships may affect their eating disorder.
Antidepressants. The most common antidepressants prescribed for bulimia are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as:
Studies are mixed, however, on whether SSRIs offer an additional advantage in reducing binge-eating compared to CBT. Fluoxetine has been approved for bulimia and is considered the drug of choice, although some studies suggest that other SSRIs work just as well. Other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, and buprorion (Wellbutrin), carry more risks of side effects than SSRIs and do not appear to be effective for treatment of bulimia.
Antidepressants may increase the risks for suicidal thoughts and actions during the first few months of treatment. In particular, adolescents and young adults should be carefully monitored during this time period for any changes in behavior.
Topiramate. The antiepileptic drug topiramate (Topamax) has been shown in studies to reduce bingeing and purging episodes in patients with bulimia. However, due to this drugā ' s risk for serious side effects, topiramate should be used only if other medication has failed. In addition, because people tend to lose weight while taking topiramate, it should not be used by patients who have low or even normal body weight.
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