Earlier this week, the first-ever clinical trial results of a study investigating the effects of psilocybin on females with anorexia nervosa (AN) were published in Nature Medicine. It concerns a phase I open-label feasibility study (N=10) which investigated the effects of a single dose of psilocybin (25mg) on adult female participants diagnosed with AN or in partial remission. Results showed that psilocybin therapy was well-tolerated, and adverse events were mild and transient. Participants reported positive changes and meaningful experiences. However, the effects on eating disorder psychopathology were variable, with some participants showing significant reductions in AN symptoms. Further research with larger samples and controlled trials is needed to draw conclusive findings. Find the publication here: Nature Medicine
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental disorder characterized by excessive fear and distress related to body weight and shape, leading to severe restriction of food intake. This condition results in dangerously low body weight and nutritional deficiencies. Individuals with AN often have a distorted perception of their body and an intense desire to be thin. The disorder is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including an increased risk of suicide. Despite its severity, there are no established treatments that can completely reverse the core symptoms of AN. Additionally, there are no medications specifically approved for the treatment of AN by regulatory authorities. Novel and innovative therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve the clinical outcomes for individuals suffering from this potentially life-threatening illness.