Psilocybin therapy, known for its use in treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction, may also hold promise for individuals with anorexia nervosa, according to new research published Thursday.
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by severe food restriction, excessive exercise, and/or purging behaviors such as vomiting and laxative use. It is associated with the highest mortality rate among psychiatric conditions.
“Our findings suggest that psilocybin may help facilitate meaningful psychological change in some individuals with anorexia nervosa,” said lead author Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck of the University of California, San Diego.
The study involved administering a single 25mg dose of psilocybin, combined with specialized psychological support before, during, and after the session. The results, published in Psychedelics, revealed that 60% of participants reported a reduction in negative perceptions of their physical appearance. Additionally, 70% experienced improvements in quality of life and shifts in personal identity, while 40% showed clinically significant reductions in eating disorder-related symptoms.
While the most notable changes were seen in participants’ concerns about their body shape and weight, these psychological improvements did not necessarily lead to weight restoration, the team noted.
Despite the promising outcomes, the research underscores the complexity of treating anorexia nervosa. The authors suggest that psychedelic therapy may be most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than as a standalone intervention.
Dr. Walter H. Kaye, director of the UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment Center, emphasized the need for larger, controlled studies that incorporate brain imaging and genetic analysis to better understand which patients might benefit most from this emerging treatment.
These findings open new possibilities for personalized approaches to treating eating disorders, while also raising important questions about how to best tailor therapeutic strategies for this vulnerable population.
