Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Olanzapine as an Adjunctive Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents: An Open-Label Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adjunctive olanzapine treatment for low weight adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Methods: A non-randomized open-label trial was conducted between 2010 and 2014. Participants received standard treatment and were invited to take olanzapine at study enrollment. Participants could accept, continue, or discontinue olanzapine as treatment progressed. Weight and psychological outcomes were monitored.

Results: Of 239 adolescents assessed, 65 met inclusion criteria, 38 enrolled in the study, and 32 were retained for analysis. Twenty-two participants took olanzapine (medication group) and ten participants did not (comparison group). Participants in the medication group demonstrated a higher rate of weight gain compared to those who did not receive olanzapine (p = .012). No serious adverse events were noted, although seven participants (31.8%) discontinued olanzapine due to a side effect.

Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that olanzapine may help facilitate weight gain in adolescents with AN. The importance of medical monitoring over the course of treatment is discussed. Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Olanzapine for Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adolescents; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT01184443" title="See in ClinicalTrials.gov">NCT01184443.

Keywords: Olanzapine; adolescent; anorexia nervosa.

Figures

Figure 1

Participant flow through study arms.

Figure 2

Mean depression t-scores across time, as measured by the Children’s Depression Inventory. The clinical cut-off is a t-score of 65, and is shown by a bold, dotted, horizontal line

Figure 3

Mean anxiety t-score across time, as measured by the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children. The clinical cut-off is a t-score of 65, and is shown by a bold, dotted, horizontal line.