The (lack of) effect of alprazolam on eating behavior in anorexia nervosa: a preliminary report. Int J Eat Disord 2014 Dec;47(8):901-4
Date
08/21/2014Pubmed ID
25139178DOI
10.1002/eat.22343Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84914118650 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 39 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is a prominent symptom in anorexia nervosa (AN), and higher pre-meal anxiety has been associated with lower caloric intake. Yet, the causal relationship has not been assessed. We proposed that reducing anxiety with a short acting benzodiazepine would increase caloric intake among individuals with AN.
METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study, we administered alprazolam 0.75 mg to inpatients with AN (n = 17) and assessed caloric intake in a laboratory test meal. Within-subject differences in caloric intake, anxiety, and fatigue were compared between alprazolam and placebo days.
RESULTS: Caloric intake did not differ on alprazolam versus placebo (t(15) = 1.72, p = .11). Alprazolam did not reduce anxiety, but was associated with increased fatigue.
DISCUSSION: This study was not able to evaluate the causal role of anxiety in meal intake among individuals with AN, as alprazolam did not alter anxiety symptoms. These data further suggest that the therapeutic role for short-acting benzodiazepines in AN is likely limited.
Author List
Steinglass JE, Kaplan SC, Liu Y, Wang Y, Walsh BTMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Alprazolam
Anorexia Nervosa
Anti-Anxiety Agents
Cross-Over Studies
Double-Blind Method
Drug Administration Schedule
Energy Intake
Female
Humans
Meals
Middle Aged
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
