Biological Treatment For Anorexia-Drugs Flashcards
What is the rationale for using drugs as a form of treatment for anorexic patients?
-low levels of neurotransmitters e.g serotonin and noradrenaline are found in acutely ill anorexia sufferers
-serotonin is associated with suppression of appetite and mood. Low serotonin levels are linked to bingeing and depression. Persistent disruption to serotonin levels leads to increased anxiety which can trigger anorexia
Why does being treated for anorexia require a multidisciplinary approach and explain how this is achieved
-due to anorexia’s complex nature, affecting both the physical health of the body as well as mental health
-usually includes cognitive behavioural therapy/ psychotherapy, nutrition counselling, family therapy, and pharmacotherapy
What do NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) suggest about treatments for anorexia?
-that drugs are not used as a first choice as they tend not to help with core symptoms, nor do they promote healthy weight gain
-drug treatments do however tend to help with the co-morbid symptoms (any disorder in addition to main diagnosis). For anorexia, this may be depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive behaviours
What are the 2 main types of medication used to treat people with anorexia?
1) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) = a type of antidepressant
2) Olanzapine = an atypical antipsychotic drug
Explain how Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work as a drug treatment for anorexia
-a form of antidepressant that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the presynaptic neurons, therefore making more serotonin available in the synapse. This means that more serotonin is available in the synapse and so more is passed to the post synaptic neuron, increasing serotonin levels.
-they can help with anxiety and depression that accompany anorexia
What are some of the side effects however that the patient may experience when taking SSRIs?
-weight gain (the desired outcome for AN patients however is extremely difficult as a patient to cope with due to the nature of their illness making them not want to gain weight, therefore may refuse to take drugs)
-some people may also experience suicidal thoughts
-pain in joints and muscles
-upset stomach, nausea or diarrhoea
-drowsiness
-dizziness
Explain how the antipsychotic Olanzapine works as a drug treatment for anorexia
-a type of second generation antipsychotic that works by blocking absorption of dopamine and serotonin
-antipsychotics mainly focus on dopamine function, suggesting altered dopamine functioning in the striatum may contribute to anorexia
-This medication has been found to help some people with anorexia gain weight, change their obsessive thinking, had less difficulty with eating, and lower levels of anxiety, reduced depression, and other core eating disorder symptoms, and doesn’t directly cause weight gain
-this may make anorexic patients less resistant to treatment and help with compliance
How do first generation antipsychotics (FGAs) work in treating anorexia?
-by reducing excess dopamine it is thought the stress response in the reward pathway will also decrease.
-chlorpromazine has been used and has led to increased weight gain, however antipsychotics did not treat any comorbid symptoms
