Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Severe Anorexia in New Study
A recent preliminary study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry explores the potential of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in "magic mushrooms," combined with psychotherapy to treat anorexia nervosa, one of the most severe and treatment-resistant eating disorders. The study involved 21 women aged 23 to 52 who had long-standing anorexia and had not responded to conventional treatments. Over six weeks, participants underwent three psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions alongside their usual medical care, with follow-up monitoring for one year.
Results indicated a significant reduction in eating disorder symptoms and increased motivation to recover, with improvements lasting up to six months and in some cases a year. However, responses varied widely among participants. Researchers suggest psilocybin may temporarily increase cognitive flexibility, helping patients challenge rigid thought patterns characteristic of anorexia, such as fear of weight gain and perfectionism. The intense, meaningful experiences during treatment may also contribute to therapeutic effects.
Dr. Itamar Cohen, a psychedelics researcher, explained that psilocybin acts on serotonin-like receptors in brain regions involved in complex thinking and self-reflection, potentially creating a "window of flexibility" that enhances psychotherapy effectiveness. Dr. Oren Tna, head of psychiatry at Ichilov Medical Center, welcomed the innovative approach but cautioned that psilocybin is not a standalone cure and should complement multidisciplinary treatment.
Side effects were mostly mild to moderate, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Two suicide attempts occurred during follow-up but were deemed unrelated to the treatment. Experts emphasize the need for larger, controlled trials to confirm efficacy and safety. The study highlights the urgent need for new therapeutic options for anorexia, which currently lacks approved pharmacological treatments and carries high morbidity and mortality risks.
This research marks an important step toward integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into complex psychiatric disorders, offering hope for patients with chronic anorexia who have exhausted existing treatments.
