A small study indicates that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, could offer a new avenue for treating anorexia nervosa, a serious and often difficult-to-treat eating disorder.
The research, conducted by the Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, involved 21 women who had lived with anorexia nervosa for an average of 11 years and had not found lasting relief from previous treatments. The participants, with an average age of 32 and an average body mass index (BMI) of 16.4, received three oral doses of psilocybin over six weeks in a controlled therapeutic setting. One dose was intentionally low (1 mg) as a placebo, followed by two higher doses (25 mg) with two weeks between sessions.
Researchers monitored participants for changes in eating disorder symptoms, motivation to recover, and BMI. At two weeks after the final psilocybin session, nearly all participants showed improvements, with their average eating disorder symptom scores reduced at every follow-up point. Three months later, 48% of participants exhibited symptom scores comparable to those of individuals without an eating disorder. The study also reported a sustained increase in motivation to recover that lasted for a year.
While the treatment did not result in a significant change in BMI during the study's initial six-week follow-up period, researchers noted this was not unexpected given the short observation timeframe. The study found psilocybin to be safe, with the most common side effects being headaches and nausea. One participant withdrew from the study. A case of two suicide attempts by one participant was reviewed by the study team and external experts, who concluded they were not related to the psilocybin treatment, especially considering the high rates of suicidal ideation associated with anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia nervosa is linked to a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, making it one of the leading causes of death for those with the disorder. Current treatments for anorexia nervosa typically include medications for co-occurring depression and anxiety, alongside talk therapy, but about one-third of individuals do not achieve full recovery, highlighting the need for novel treatment options.
Researchers cautioned that further investigation is necessary before psilocybin can become widely available, citing the study's small sample size and lack of a drug-free comparison group. Dr. Hannah Douglass, who led the study, stated that while the results are encouraging, especially for those who have not responded to prior treatments, more research is required to assess applicability to a broader population. Jennifer Danby, a psychotherapist and eating disorders specialist involved in the trial, noted that the therapy provided a different approach for participants to explore their relationship with the illness and gain new perspectives.