The psychopharmacological management of eating disorders in children and adolescents

Abstract

In this review we synthesised current literature on the psychopharmacological management of eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents (C&As). We focus specifically on anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). The treatment of EDs is determined by physical and psycho-social factors and needs. Pharmacological management should therefore be viewed and incorporated as one component of a multi-disciplinary comprehensive treatment plan for specific requirements of a patient depending on the stage of the disorder. As there is a dearth of studies evaluating the use of psychopharmacology for EDs in C&As we first review the findings from studies performed in adults and then discuss specific studies performed in C&As. We include information from reviews and treatment guidelines to assist the clinician with an approach to the use of psychopharmacological agents in the treatment of EDs in C&As.