International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
J Keeler, H Himmerich, J Treasure et al.
Abstract Background Approximately a third of people with anorexia nervosa (AN) develop a severe and enduring form of the illness, which is often accompanied by depression. This can be a key barrier to recovery. Anti-depressant medications are less effective in treating depression in patients with acute AN, thus new pharmacological treatment options are needed. Ketamine is currently used for...
BMC Medicine
May 19, 2026
Rebecca Morris, Ayse Gundogan, Vanessa Lawrence et al.
Eating disorders (EDs) have complex presentations with high rates of comorbidities and low recovery rates. Current treatment options often lack sufficiency in improving ED symptoms. Psychedelic-assisted therapies represent a novel treatment approach for the treatment of EDs, with research documenting preliminary positive evidence. However, psychedelics have their own challenges and risks which...
Pharmacological Research
May 14, 2025
Rebecca Morris, Janet Treasure, Hubertus Himmerich et al.
4 citations
People with eating disorders experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Anxiety can influence the prognosis of an eating disorder, by worsening symptoms, and acting as a barrier to treatment. Therefore, targeting treatment efforts towards anxiety may improve eating disorder...
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association
December 15, 2024
Hubertus Himmerich, Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, Sabrina Mörkl
4 citations
Blood-based biomarkers and neuroimaging techniques have improved our understanding of the underlying biology of eating disorders (EDs) and have increased our diagnostic portfolio. This editorial accompanies an article collection on novel biological approaches to treat EDs. The collection covers intermittent theta burst stimulation, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacological treatments...
European Eating Disorders Review
October 12, 2023
Johanna Louise Keeler, Carol Kan, Janet Treasure et al.
36 citations
Abstract Objective Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychotherapeutic strategies have variable efficacy. The investigation of evidence‐based treatments has so far been compounded by an underdeveloped understanding into the neurobiological changes associated with the acute stages of AN. There is converging...
Nutrients
November 20, 2021
Johanna Louise Keeler, Janet Treasure, Mario F Juruena et al.
55 citations
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly complex disorder to treat, especially in severe and enduring cases. Whilst the precise aetiology of the disorder is uncertain, malnutrition and weight loss can contribute to reductions in grey and white matter of the brain, impairments in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and difficulties with cognitive flexibility, memory and learning. Depression is highly...
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
September 30, 2021
Fiona Harding, Mathieu Seynaeve, Johanna Keeler et al.
18 citations
Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, yet the treatment options show limited efficacy, warranting the need for novel approaches. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of people with eating disorders on the use of complementary therapies and psychedelic research and treatment. Two hundred participants with eating disorders took part in this web...