EATING DISORDERS AND PSYCHOTROPIC-DRUGS

Weight gain is one of the more common side effects of psychotropic dru gs (neuroleptics, antidepressants, lithium, benzodiazepines). This eff ect depends on the type of drug, doses and length, of treatment. It ap pears gradually and stems linked to the patient's clinical history, Am ong neuroleptics, phenothiazines and benzamides have the most importan t effect on weight, Weight gain with lithium is well documented and it does not regress with time. There is actually a controversy about ant idepressants direct effects on weight. Current information concerning benzodiazepines is insufficient, Weight gain is not an unavoidable sid e effect: and etiopathogenic mechanisms are not well known, Many hypot hesis are discussed (biochemical, pharmacological, psychological and e nvironmental). Weight gain is a complex and multifactorial phenomena.