Use of Stimulants in Patients with Comorbid Anorexia Nervosa and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Structured Inpatient Setting.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: Clinicians may be concerned about using psychostimulant medications in patients in whom weight gain is desired because of their potential side effects of appetite suppression and weight loss. This report depicts the successful treatment of 2 adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in an inpatient eating disorders unit. METHOD: A report of 2 clinical cases (ages 19 and 20 years) was used to describe the management of comorbid AN and ADHD. Tolerance to stimulants, meal completion, and ability to restore weight were assessed over the course of hospitalization. RESULTS: Behaviorally focused refeeding combined with psychostimulants notably improved symptoms of AN and comorbid ADHD without adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Psychostimulant medications may be used successfully in patients with AN and ADHD in the context of structured behavioral treatment designed for weight restoration.