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Venlafaxine versus fluoxetine in the treatment of atypical anorectic outpatients: A preliminary study

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Abstract

The efficacy of venlafaxine and fluoxetine in the treatment of atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) was compared in a controlled trial. A consecutive series of 24 atypical anorectic females was assigned to either venlafaxine (75 mg/day) or fluoxetine (40 mg/day) plus cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Eating Disorder Examination (EDE12.0D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were compared before and after 6 months of treatment. Venlafaxine and fluoxetine determined an increase of body mass index (BMI) and a significant reduction of EDE12.0D and BDI scores venlafaxine alone reduced STAI scores. It would seem that venlafaxine is as effective as fluoxetine when combined with CBT in the treatment of atypical AN.

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Ricca, V., Mannucci, E., Paionni, A. et al. Venlafaxine versus fluoxetine in the treatment of atypical anorectic outpatients: A preliminary study. Eat Weight Disord 4, 10–14 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03341582

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