Current Psychological and Pharmacological Therapies and Emergent Treatment Modalities in Anorexia Nervosa

Authors

Carly R. Kliment, University of LynchburgFollow

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this clinical review article is to evaluate the efficacy of established psychological and pharmacological treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) compared with emergent interventions. AN is a severe, psychological and medically complex eating disorder (ED) with high morbidity and mortality. Current treatment guidelines emphasize psychological therapy as the primary intervention—family-focused interventions in children and adolescents and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults. Currently there are no FDA approved medications for AN treatment. Despite current evidenced-based interventions, recovery rates remain low and treatment-resistant is common, which highlights the need for novel treatment approaches.

This author conducted a comprehensive search of the literature using the databases PubMed, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Cochrane Library, which identified eight articles to substantiate their purpose. Promising novel interventions include neuromodulation, virtual reality therapy, psilocybin, and metreleptin. While initial evidence suggests potential efficacy, research is limited given their novelty. Future research should focus on understanding their underlying mechanisms to better appreciate and guide clinical application as well as establishing standardized treatment outcome measures, which are currently lacking and hindering progress in the field.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa, treatment, psychological therapy, pharmacologic therapy, metreleptin, psilocybin, virtual reality, neuromodulation

Recommended Citation

Kliment CR. Current Psychological and Pharmacological Therapies and Emergent Treatment Modalities in Anorexia Nervosa. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).