Pharmacotherapy for eating disorders

In current international guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders (ED), pharmacotherapy is usually regarded as an adjuvant therapy. In recent decades, however, research into pharmacological treatments for ED has grown, and a robust body of macological research has emerged, particularly for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED). This chapter introduces the theoretical background for use of psychotropic medication, and then outlines research evidence base and provides practical guidelines on principles of pharmacotherapy management for each of the major eating disorders­ - anorexia nervosa (AN), BN, and BED.