An Open Trial of Olanzapine in Anorexia Nervosa

Background: Recent reports raise the possibility that olanzapine can assist weight gain and improve behavioral symptoms during refeeding in anorexia nervosa.

Method: Seventeen DSM-IV anorexia nervosa subjects hospitalized between May 1999 and October 2000 were enrolled in open-label treatment with olanzapine for up to 6 weeks. Baseline weight and symptoms were compared to patients’ status at the end of treatment.

Results: Olanzapine administration was associated with a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and core eating disorder symptoms, and a significant increase in weight. A comparison with our historical data suggests that subjects in this study had a significantly greater decrease in depression.

Conclusion: These data lend support to the possibility that olanzapine may be useful in treating anorexia nervosa. However, a controlled trial is necessary to demonstrate that olanzapine is efficacious.