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The partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist aripiprazole is associated with weight gain in adolescent anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Frank Guido K. W.,
Shott Megan E.,
Hagman Jennifer O.,
Schiel Marissa A.,
DeGuzman Marisa C.,
Rossi Brogan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22704
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , aripiprazole , psychology , partial agonist , dopamine , dopamine agonist , dopamine receptor d2 , agonist , dopamine receptor , medicine , endocrinology , eating disorders , psychiatry , neuroscience , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , receptor , dopaminergic
Objective Finding medication to support treatment of anorexia nervosa has been difficult. Neuroscience‐based approaches may help in this effort. Recent brain imaging studies in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggest that dopamine‐related reward circuits are hypersensitive and could provide a treatment target. Methods Here, we present a retrospective chart review of 106 adolescents with anorexia nervosa some of whom were treated with the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole during treatment in a specialized eating disorder program. Results The results show that aripiprazole treatment was associated with greater increase in body mass index (BMI) during treatment. Discussion The use of dopamine receptor agonists may support treatment success in anorexia nervosa and should be further investigated.