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More Than Just Milk: A Review of Prolactin's Impact on the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Author(s) -
Strike Melanie K.,
Norris Sandhaya,
Kearney Sarah,
Norris Mark L.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1119
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , prolactin , affect (linguistics) , eating disorders , adverse effect , psychology , menstruation , anorexia , psychotherapist , medicine , clinical psychology , hormone , psychiatry , communication
Objective In completing this review, we aim to educate readers about the physiological importance of the hormone prolactin (PRL) in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method A comprehensive review of PRL was undertaken using existing published literature with specific focus on domains pertinent to the treatment of AN. Results Prolactin influences multiple biological processes throughout the body. Disruption in its regulation can impact women's health issues such as menstruation and bone health, which are pertinent to AN treatment. The use of antipsychotics with high D2 receptor affinity for the augmented treatment of AN increases the potential risk of PRL‐mediated adverse effects. Discussion Although not intrinsic to underlying disease underpinnings, PRL has the capacity to affect and influence multiple outcome variables in treatment of patients with AN. Improved understanding, better screening and the completion of further prospective research are necessary to help facilitate and incorporate ongoing knowledge translation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.