Mirtazapine for anorexia nervosa with depression

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2007 Sep;41(9):768-9. doi: 10.1080/00048670701517983.

Abstract

Objective: To report the use of Mirtazapine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa with depression primarily regarding its propensity for weight gain.

Method: We present an outpatient case report of anorexia nervosa with depression. The patient's subsequent progress was recorded.

Results: The patient gained 2.5 kg within 3 months to eventually attain a body mass index of 15 after 5 months. Her depression achieved full remission at 6 weeks of treatment.

Conclusions: Mirtazapine is the choice medication in this case. However, treating depression requires caution, given these patients' physical vulnerability. Controlled trials of Mirtazapine for anorexia nervosa are needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anorexia Nervosa / drug therapy*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Family Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mianserin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mianserin / therapeutic use
  • Mirtazapine
  • Patient Care Team
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Mianserin
  • Mirtazapine