Use of mirtazapine in an adult with refractory anorexia nervosa and comorbid depression: a case report

Int J Eat Disord. 2011 Mar;44(2):178-81. doi: 10.1002/eat.20793.

Abstract

The objective of this report was to describe an efficacious treatment of an adult with long-standing anorexia nervosa (AN). A 50-year-old woman with an over 7-year history of AN and comorbid major depression had been treated unsuccessfully with numerous psychotropic medications, manualized cognitive behavior therapy, and an intensive outpatient treatment program before referral. After treatment with mirtazapine, she gained weight and her depression improved. A 9-month follow-up revealed a maintenance of these benefits. Mirtazapine may be useful for older, chronically ill patients presenting with AN and comorbid depression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications
  • Anorexia Nervosa / drug therapy*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Body Weight
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mianserin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mianserin / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Mirtazapine
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Mianserin
  • Mirtazapine