Psychotropic medication use in treatment-seeking youth with eating disorders.

Objective: Psychotropic medication use in youth with eating disorders (EDs) is poorly understood despite high co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders. This study examined characteristics associated with medication use in treatment-seeking youth with EDs.

Method: Youth up to age 18 reported on medication use when presenting to an academic medical center outpatient ED service in the United States. Data presented were collected between 1998-2015.

Results: The sample (N = 604) was predominantly female (90.6%) with a mean age of 15.3 years (SD = 2.3). Approximately one-third (30%, n = 173) were taking psychotropic medications (40%, n = 70, were taking multiple medications). Antidepressant use was most common (26%, n = 152), followed by atypical antipsychotics (8%, n = 43). Adjusting for co-occurring psychiatric disorders, non-Hispanic Whites who had received prior treatment (psychotherapy, hospitalization) were significantly more likely to be using medication. Longer illness duration and prior treatment were associated with greater antidepressant use. For atypical antipsychotics, prior hospitalization was associated with greater use.

Conclusions: Findings confirm moderate psychotropic medication use among young patients with EDs despite a lack of clarity regarding optimally effective pharmacologic interventions in this population. Pharmacological trials examining the efficacy of medications for young patients with EDs are warranted to inform future prescribing practice.