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.