Abstract

FRIAS IBANEZ, Álvaro  and  VAZQUEZ COSTA, María. Oral contraceptives in patients with eating psychopathology: Etiopathogenic and therapeutic implications. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2012, vol.32, n.115, pp.591-596. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-57352012000300009.

Introduction: The role of oral contraceptives (OC) in psychiatry illness has been object of little attention. In particular, there is scarce scientific literature regarding its influence in the pathogenesis and treatment of eating psychopathology. Clinical case: We describe the case of a 16 yearsold woman, who developed an anorexia nervosa after the administration of an OC for the treatment of a mild hyperandrogenic hirsutism. After the implementation of cognitive-behavioral and psychopharmacological (SSRI) interventions, weight restoration was attained, disappearing anorectic cognitions and dysfunctional eating behaviors. Conclusions: The study of OC in eating psychopathology is in an early stage, being androgenic regulation postulated as main factor mediating this association. In patients with anorexia nervosa, is mandatory carrying out longitudinal research, given preliminary evidence suggesting the involvement of OC as a risk factor, either through decreased levels of testosterone or greater fear of gaining weight among those users with weight gain after its administration.

Keywords : Oral contraceptives; Anorexia nervosa; Testosterone.

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