Atomoxetine Reduced Binge/Purge Symptoms in a Case of Anorexia Nervosa Binge/Purge Type.

Psychopharmacologic treatments for eating disorders (EDs) remain unclear, particularly for anorexia nervosa. As in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a dopaminergic mechanism has been implicated in EDs, prompting our use of atomoxetine in an 18-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type. Atomoxetine is a highly selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with nonaddictive properties and limited effects of appetite suppression. Doses followed those used in a previous trial of atomoxetine in the treatment of binge ED, and response was assessed over 4 months, with significant improvement in ED behaviors and mood. Larger-scale, randomized studies that assess the efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type are warranted.