Serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in anorexia nervosa: A role for atypical antipsychotics?

Abstract

Objective: To review serotonergic and dopaminergic system function in anorexia nervosa in terms of potential modulation by atypical antipsychotic medications. Method: A systematic review of clinical, neurobiological and functional neuroimaging findings of serotonergic and dopaminergic system activity in anorexia nervosa was conducted via MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE psychiatry databases, with a critical review of dysregulation of these systems as therapeutic targets for atypical antipsychotics, in context of evidence regarding the utility and efficacy of these medications in this syndrome. Results: There is evidence of persistently altered serotonergic and dopaminergic function in anorexia n..