Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research
European Eating Disorders Review October 12, 2023 Johanna Louise Keeler, Carol Kan, Janet Treasure et al. 36 citations
Treatment for anorexia nervosa remains challenging due to limited approved medications and variable psychotherapy effectiveness. Converging evidence indicates deficiencies in neuroplasticity during acute stages of the disorder. This review covers neuroimaging, neuropsychological, molecular, and qualitative findings on neuroplasticity in anorexia nervosa. Novel pharmacological approaches that may address these deficits include ketamine, psilocybin, and human recombinant leptin; anti-inflammatory drugs and brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetics might become viable after further research. Psychotherapeutic strategies targeting neuroplastic deficiencies and broader identity issues include imagery rescripting, memory specificity training, cognitive remediation therapy, exposure therapies, narrative therapies, cultural interventions, and yoga or mindfulness-based approaches. Longitudinal studies with large samples and feasibility trials are needed to advance translation.