Beyond the numbers: reimagining healing with psychedelics for eating disorders.
Adele Lafrance, Meg J. Spriggs, Natalie Gukasyan, Stéphanie Knatz Peck
Journal of Eating Disorders September 30, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01111-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa |
| Intervention | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Psilocybin research Anorexia nervosa Eating disorders Psilocybin treatment Psychedelics |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic medicine may offer a valuable adjunct to existing treatments for eating disorders by addressing underlying psychological and transpersonal factors and improving treatment engagement. |
Abstract
Psychedelic medicine is currently being evaluated for numerous mental health indications, and there is significant interest in applying these models of care to eating disorders (EDs) given the limited efficacy of available treatment models, especially for those living with anorexia nervosa. Preliminary findings across a number of studies suggest promise. In this commentary, researchers with experience in psychedelics and EDs present a rationale and considerations for the application of psychedelic medicine, including psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for EDs. These contributions are informed by those with lived experience as well as the authors' experiences in the field. By addressing underlying psychological and transpersonal factors and improving treatment engagement, psychedelic medicine, though not without risks, may offer a valuable adjunct to existing treatments, enhancing overall outcomes for some living with an ED. This commentary also aims to provide a multi-dimensional perspective to inform the field, including with respect to the etiology of these illnesses, as psychedelic medicine becomes more accessible in naturalistic, research and clinical settings.