Abstract

The pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) was revealed using pharmacological stepwise elimination, with each discovery of a new drug class mechanism of action, in the treatment of AN and other mental health states. Both positive and negative elements of the underlying disease required addressing as patient response and drug efficacy were considered. In this perspective, a brief summary of this process is discussed, connecting current knowledge of AN biological etiology with treatment outcomes using the various drug classes, and eventually leading to a more precise, less adverse course of treatment.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa, Statistical manual, Anxiety disorder