What is the standard treatment for anorexia nervosa?

The standard treatment for anorexia nervosa primarily involves a combination of psychotherapy and nutritional rehabilitation, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) being one of the most effective psychotherapeutic approaches. While SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, are sometimes used, they are generally not considered the primary treatment for anorexia nervosa due to limited evidence of efficacy in weight gain or restoration of normal eating patterns.

Atypical antipsychotics can have a role in treating certain symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa, such as anxiety or psychotic features, but they do not address the underlying issues of the disorder and are not the first line of treatment by standard guidelines. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed, typically in the context of comorbid depression or suicidal ideation, rather than for anorexia nervosa itself.

The primary focus in treating anorexia nervosa remains on behavioral therapies and nutritional support, making the use of SSRIs more of a secondary option rather than the accepted standard treatment approach.