[Efficacy of buspirone and fluoxetine in short-term treatment of bulimia nervosa].

Unlabelled: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a common and disabling psychiatric disorder, which affects mainly young females. The basic therapeutic modalities include pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive behavioural therapy and combined treatment.

Aim: This 12-week open label study was performed to assess the efficacy of buspirone-5-HT1A receptor agonist in the treatment of bulimia, and to compare it with the efficacy of fluoxetine --the standard treatment of BN.

Method: We recruited 57 patients, who were assigned to two treatment groups-fluoxetine (n=35) and buspirone (n=22) At baseline, and after treatment we assessed the serotonin level in serum.

Results: At least 50% reduction in severity of bulimic symptoms was observed in 15/35 (42.9%) patients treated with fluoxetine and in 11/22 (50.0%) patients receiving buspirone. Depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) decreased significantly in both treatment groups (from 22.8 to 9.6 points in fluoxetine group and from 19.8 to 10.0 in buspirone group; difference between groups- not significant). Side effects, such as headaches and nausea occurred in both groups rarely and did not cause withdrawal from treatment. Statistical trend towards increased serotonin level in serum was observed after treatment with fluoxetine, and was not associated with buspirone administration.

Conclusion: Buspirone may have similar efficacy as fluoxetine in reducing bulimic and depressive symptoms in patients with bulimia, however may not cause significant changes of serotonin level in serum.