A detailed longitudinal analysis on the use of naltrexone in the treatment of bulimia.

In accord with our auto-addiction opioid model, naltrexone was previously reported to be effective in the treatment of bulimia in a controlled double-blind clinical trial with a randomized cross-over design. This is a detailed longitudinal analysis over a 16 month period of one subject from that study. Attenuation in bulimic symptoms in two-drug as compared to no-drug periods was demonstrated. The duration for which the drug was needed was also addressed. The subject is an illustration of a therapeutic response on multiple parameters including binges, purges, urges to perform both behaviors, eating patterns, scaled feelings and Eating Disorder Inventory questionnaire scores. A rare allergic reaction to the drug is reported. It appeared to be heat and photosensitive, even in the presence of sun screen, occurred after a delay and did not appear immediately on skin testing. Use of naltrexone after desensitization is also reported.