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Treats eating disorder
Psilocybin therapy -- used to treat a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and addictions -- can aid in the treatment of individuals with anorexia nervosa, a type of eating disorder, according to research on Thursday.

What is Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric condition where people restrict their food intake, but exercise more, and/or purge food through laxatives and vomiting. It has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses.

Psychological change

“Our findings suggest that psilocybin may be helpful in supporting meaningful psychological change in a subset of people with anorexia nervosa,” said lead author Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck at the University of California, San Diego in the US.

Study

The team employed a single 25mg dose of psilocybin combined with specialised psychological support before, during, and after administration. The results, published in the journal Psychedelics, showed “that 60% of participants reported a reduction” in the way they saw their physical appearance. About 70% showed improvements in quality of life and shifts in personal identity, while 40% reported reductions in eating disorder psychopathology.

Shape concerns

Although treatment effects were most pronounced in shape and weight concerns, the changes in psychological outlook didn’t automatically translate to weight restoration, said the team.

While the results show promise, they also highlight the complexity of treating anorexia nervosa. The team suggested a comprehensive treatment approach using psychedelic therapy may be better than using it as a standalone intervention.