Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric condition with few approved treatments. This paper describes how individuals with lived experience of anorexia nervosa helped shape a pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy through two online focus groups involving eleven people, and presents the protocol for that study at Imperial College London. Twenty female participants aged 21–65 with a body mass index of 15 kg/m² or above will receive three oral doses of psilocybin (up to 25 mg) over six weeks, supported by psychological preparation and integration, with a 12-month remote follow-up.
In a small pilot study, 21 women with anorexia nervosa received three doses of psilocybin (COMP360) over six weeks, combined with talk therapy and usual care. The treatment was well tolerated; common side effects were headache, nausea, and dizziness. Two serious adverse events (suicide attempts) occurred in one participant during the 6–12 month period. Eating disorder symptoms significantly improved at six months, and motivation to change improved at twelve months, though individual responses varied widely. The findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility and safety of psilocybin therapy in this population, but larger, more rigorous studies are needed.
Rates of mental illness among young people are rising, but few new treatments have emerged. Psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin and MDMA has shown promise for adults with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and interest is growing in its use for adolescents. A comprehensive review of all research on children and young people—from 1950s experiments to recent observational and retrospective studies of traditional and non-medical use—finds that psychedelics appear safe overall and may improve mental wellbeing in this age group. However, young people may face greater risks of anxiety, challenging experiences, and ego dissolution, warranting more thorough clinical research. The authors recommend a rigorous ethical framework with family involvement and consideration of lower doses to reduce potential harms.