Olanzapine treatment of anorexia nervosa: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Recent reports raise the possibility that olanzapine, which commonly causes weight gain in non-eating-disordered subjects, assisted weight gain and mood during refeeding in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. METHODS Eighteen AN subjects who engaged in open treatment with olanzapine were retrospectively questioned about their response. RESULTS Subjects reported a significant reduction in anxiety, difficulty eating, and core eating disorder symptoms after taking olanzapine. DISCUSSION These data lend support to the possibility that olanzapine may be useful in AN patients. CONCLUSION A controlled trial is necessary to prove that olanzapine is efficacious.