A common treatment for the eating disorder bulimia involves both psychotherapy and antidepressants. The medications can, however, have harmful side effects, including weight gain and a significant loss of energy. The results of a recent study, conducted at 13 medical centers, suggests that the drug Prozac, which is often used to treat depression, may be the best choice for some women battling such an eating disorder.
The study, which continued for two months, revealed that of the 387 women who were involved, the women who took 60 milligrams of Prozac per day binged and purged 50 percent less than those women who were given a placebo. Prozac also seemed to reduce depression and the cravings for carbohydrates, resulting in a small weight loss. For most of the subjects, the side effects from the medication, such as nausea and insomnia, were relatively mild.
According to the researchers, antidepressants such as Prozac may help control bulimia and depression in some people because both disorders may be due to a deficiency of serotonin— a chemical in the brain.
While some bulimics are helped with antidepressants, experts say there is currently no specific drug treatment prescribed for general usage. However, researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) linked bulimia to excessive levels of a brain hormone called vasopressin. The new information may lead eventually to a specific effective medication for the disease.
Scientists say that vasopressin regulates the body’s balances of fluids and salt. It also affects some physical and mental functions including thirst, blood pressure, learning and memory. When under stress, some people produce an excessive amount of the hormone making themselves more vulnerable to illnesses such as bulimia.
According to researchers, continued study of vasopressin may also be of benefit to anorexics who literally starve themselves, and obsessive-compulsive patients who cannot control repetitive thoughts and activities
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