Psychiatric Medication: Management, Myths, and Mistakes

Martha M. Peaslee Levine, Richard L. Levine

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has many associated psychiatric comorbidities, treatment of these conditions can facilitate recovery. In one study, 97% of female inpatients with eating disorder (ED) exhibited one or more Axis I comorbid diagnoses, with the most common associations being mood (94%), anxiety (56%), and substance use (22%). Alcohol misuse has also been identified as a potentially fatal issue in patients with AN. Depression, with decreased appetite and weight loss, may become so entwined with AN that it is difficult to distinguish which behavior initiated the downward spiral and how both perpetuate it. Depression adds to the risk for osteoporosis, a concern in AN. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors offer a reasonable therapeutic profile for depression and anxiety without significant side effects. Choosing SSRIs can be based on many factors: past response, family history, or insurance coverage. Cost is important, patients who have been discharged from inpatient stays with such large co-pays, could not afford the medication. Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine can be more activating and needs to be used cautiously in anxious patients. Other medications in this class include sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram. © 2010

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTreatment of Eating Disorders
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages111-126
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9780123756688
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology

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