The Efficacy of Pharmacological Treatment of Depression in Anorexia Nervosa and Underweight Patients: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a frequent comorbidity in anorexia nervosa (AN). This review aimed to evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for MDD in underweight individuals.

Method

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science through March 2025. Nineteen studies with 477 underweight patients were included, involving pharmacological treatment of depressed underweight young adults. Study designs ranged from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to open-label trials and case reports, with quality assessments performed. Most studies focused on patients with AN; a few included underweight individuals without eating disorders.

Results

No RCTs specifically examined antidepressant treatment f

SUBMITTER: Besjes MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12694688 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature