Psilocybin Combined with Psychotherapy Shows Potential as Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

LOS ANGELES– In a groundbreaking step towards finding effective treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN), a phase 1 clinical trial investigated the use of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, in combination with psychotherapy. AN is a severe mental health disorder characterized by an irrational fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme food restrictions and distorted body image. With no approved medications available, this trial offers hope for a potential breakthrough.

The study, conducted by researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Michigan Medical School, involved 10 women aged 18 to 40 suffering from AN. The main objectives were to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a single dose of synthetic psilocybin alongside psychological support.

Psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and overall well-being. Notably, individuals with AN have demonstrated impaired brain serotonin function, raising the possibility that psilocybin therapy could be beneficial for the condition. The theory is that the experience of openness and self-acceptance induced by psilocybin could lead to positive changes in body image and attitudes towards food.

During the trial, participants were administered a single 25mg dose of psilocybin alongside psychotherapy and were closely monitored over a three-month period. While the effects of psilocybin varied among participants, a noteworthy 40% of them exhibited a significant decrease in DTS scores (indicative of the severity of anorexia) after three months, signifying a remission of the eating disorder.

In addition to the positive clinical outcomes, the participants reported significant experiences with psilocybin. An overwhelming 90% expressed increased positivity towards various aspects of life, while 70% noted changes in personal identity and an overall enhancement in their quality of life. Remarkably, 90% of the participants felt that a single session of psilocybin was not enough to achieve the desired effects.

Given AN’s association with one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric conditions, researchers highlighted the pressing need for innovative treatment strategies. Initially, concerns were raised about potential adverse effects of psilocybin in individuals with AN due to medical abnormalities such as low body weight and cardiovascular complications. However, the promising results of this trial have prompted a call for larger, well-controlled studies to further investigate the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for AN.