Olanzapine in the Treatment of Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

Olanzapine in the Treatment of Low Weight and Obsessional Thinking Among Those With Anorexia Nervosa: A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of an anti-psychotic medication, Olanzapine, in achieving desired weight gain in patients identified as having Anorexia Nervosa, either restricting or binge/purge subtype. The study will also evaluate the possible beneficial effects of Olanzapine in reducing the severity of the obsessive and/or anxiety symptoms associated with this disorder.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of an anti-psychotic medication, Olanzapine, in achieving desired weight gain in patients identified as having Anorexia Nervosa, either restricting or binge/purge subtype. The study will also evaluate the possible beneficial effects of Olanzapine in reducing the severity of the obsessive and/or anxiety symptoms associated with this disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• those who meet DSM IV criteria of Anorexia Nervosa- either restricting or binge/purge subtype

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who are actively self destructive and/or suicidal
• patients whose medical status is seriously compromised
• patients whose eating disorder is superimposed on a major psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, major affective disorders, dissociative disorder or an active substance abuse disorder.