MITCH RUSTAD

New York Times Syndicate - December 05, 1999

The antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft, Pfizer) is effective for the short-term treatment of binge-eating disorder (BED), according to a new study.

      The six-week study, led by Dr. James Hudson of McLean Hospital's Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, involved 36 patients diagnosed with binge-eating disorder. BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, similar to bulimia nervosa, but without behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse.

      Eighteen of the study participants received sertraline, which belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medications are commonly used in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Sixteen subjects received a placebo. After six weeks, patients given sertraline experienced markedly fewer episodes of binge eating and lost an average of 12 pounds. Patients given placebo did not respond as well, experiencing much lower reduction in number of binge episodes compared to those taking the medication, and losing an average of only five pounds.

      The study was presented November 20 at the Eating Disorders Research Society annual meeting in San Diego.

      ``The major impression was that Zoloft seemed to work very well and was nicely tolerated,'' said Hudson. ``We found a striking decrease in the frequency of eating binges associated with Zoloft, and marked improvement in the level of global improvement.''

      ``Anti-depressants are well-known to be effective in treating things such as bulimia. However, it's been unclear what the best form of treatment for BED is,'' said Hudson. ``It's the kind of thing that clinicians should pay attention to, given the fact that these are individuals who are often miserable with their condition. Clinicians should consider this evidence, though I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is definitive yet. More studies are needed.''

      The study's conclusions should encourage future research, according to one expert.

      ``These drugs have occasionally helped in eating disorders, so it's to be expected they also would help in binge-eating disorders,'' said Dr. Richard Balon, professor of psychiatry at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. ``Other serotonin uptake inhibitors might also be effective. It has to be studied, but it is something to look into.''

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