Intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Randomized controlled trial during re-feeding

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious public health problem with one of the highest mortality rates and treatment costs of any psychiatric disorder (Arcelus et al., 2011). With an average duration of 7 years and full recovery rates of only 50%, many patients suffer chronically, imposing a heavy burden on their families and the health system (Klump et al., 2009). AN is characterised by ritualistic and repetitive behaviours around control of nourishment in the service of self-worth (Russell, 2013) usually with important developmental and genetic underpinnings.

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - October 13, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Janice Russell, Sarah Maguire, Glenn E. Hunt, Alice Kesby, Anastasia Suraev, Jordyn Stuart, Jessica Booth, Iain S. McGregor Source Type: research