Psilocybin Therapy Enhances Psychological Well-Being in Anorexia Patients but Falls Short on Weight Restoration

This is the first clinical trial to reveal and document the potential of psilocybin-based treatment for anorexia nervosa. A team from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), details the experiences of volunteer patients testing psychedelic therapy for treatment-resistant eating disorders in the journal Psychedelics. This study offers a critical and innovative approach to a disorder that has long resisted traditional interventions.Anorexia

Better known for its efficacy against treatment-resistant depression, the psychedelic compound psilocybin could find a new potential use in treating eating disorders.

Read Also: Psilocybin as a Potential Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Feasibility Study

Anorexia nervosa is a difficult eating disorder to treat and has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders. It is also resistant to conventional treatments, and new treatments such as this one would be welcome.

Types of Anorexia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Table with Descriptions and Key Characteristics

TypeDescriptionKey Characteristics
Restricting Type AnorexiaA form of anorexia nervosa characterized by extreme food restriction without episodes of binge-eating or purging.Severe calorie limitation, obsessive dieting, over-exercising, and significant weight loss.
Binge-Eating/Purging Type AnorexiaA subtype of anorexia nervosa involving cycles of binge-eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or laxative use.Episodes of overeating, feelings of guilt, and compensatory behaviors to eliminate calories consumed.
Atypical Anorexia NervosaA condition where symptoms of anorexia nervosa are present, but the individual is not significantly underweight.Restrictive behaviors and fear of weight gain, occurring in individuals of normal or higher body weight.
Subthreshold Anorexia NervosaA diagnosis where symptoms of anorexia nervosa are present but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria.Partial restriction of food intake or obsessive weight concerns that are significant but less severe or shorter-term.
Chronic Anorexia NervosaA long-term form of anorexia nervosa where symptoms persist over many years, often fluctuating in severity.Ongoing restrictive eating or purging behaviors, with periods of relapse and remission.

The study offers a “groundbreaking exploration” of the potential of psychedelic medicine to treat this complex psychiatric illness. It draws on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and participant feedback from individuals with anorexia nervosa. Participants received a single dose of 25 mg of psilocybin, combined with specialized psychological support before, during, and after the treatment.

A Unique Perspective on the Impact of Psilocybin Treatment

Lead author Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck shares initial findings: “Our results suggest that psilocybin may help support meaningful psychological change in some patients with anorexia nervosa. Sixty percent of participants reported a reduced emphasis on physical appearance, while 70% noted improvements in quality of life and changes in personal identity/self-image.”

Key findings from the trial include:

  • 90% of participants ranked their psilocybin session among the top five most meaningful experiences of their lives;
  • 4 out of 10 participants experienced clinically significant reductions in their psychopathology;
  • The effects of treatment were most pronounced in areas related to body image and weight;
  • Psychological benefits from the treatment did not automatically translate into weight restoration.

These findings, while not conclusive, provide a highly promising direction for future therapeutic approaches.

Read Also: Vaping May Increase the Risk of Developing Eating Disorders Like Anorexia, and Bulimia

Broader Implications

This research raises questions about the intersection of psychedelic medicine and the treatment of eating disorders. Why do some patients respond dramatically, while others show only minimal improvement? How might genetic variations in serotonin receptors influence treatment outcomes?

While the results are promising, they also underscore the complexity of treating anorexia nervosa. They suggest that psychedelic therapy may be more effective when integrated into a comprehensive therapeutic approach rather than as a standalone intervention. A deeper exploration of these factors could help refine treatment protocols and identify the patients most likely to benefit from this innovative therapy.

Read Also: Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) Shows Potential in Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Early Research Findings

FAQs

What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, known for its effects on mood, perception, and cognition.

How does psilocybin help with anorexia nervosa?
Psilocybin may promote psychological change, reduce focus on physical appearance, and improve self-image and quality of life.

Is this treatment approved for anorexia nervosa?
No, psilocybin for anorexia is still in the experimental stage and requires further research and clinical trials.

What does “treatment-resistant” mean?
It refers to conditions that do not respond to traditional therapies, requiring alternative or innovative treatments.

Did all participants experience improvements?
No, while many reported benefits, responses varied, and not all participants experienced significant improvements.

Does psilocybin restore weight in anorexia patients?
Not directly. Psychological benefits were observed, but they did not automatically lead to weight restoration.

Are there side effects of psilocybin?
Common side effects include temporary emotional distress or heightened sensory experiences during treatment.

Is psilocybin therapy legal?
Psilocybin is illegal in most countries, except for specific clinical trials or under special regulations.

Who can benefit most from this treatment?
Patients with treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa may benefit, but individual outcomes depend on several factors.

What’s next for psilocybin research in anorexia?
Further studies will explore its long-term effects, optimal protocols, and integration into comprehensive treatment plans.

References

Knatz, S., Fisher, H., Kim, J., & Shao, S. (2024, November). Psychedelic treatment for anorexia nervosa: A first-hand view of how psilocybin treatment did and did not help. Psychedelics. https://doi.org/10.61373/pp024e.0034

FEEDBACK:

Want to live your best life?

Get the Gilmore Health Weekly newsletter for health tips, wellness updates and more.

By clicking "Subscribe," I agree to the Gilmore Health and . I also agree to receive emails from Gilmore Health and I understand that I may opt out of Gilmore Health subscriptions at any time.