Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians.
Amanda E. Downey, Anita V. Chaphekar, Joshua Woolley, Marissa Raymond-Flesch
Journal of Eating Disorders April 24, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01005-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals with anorexia nervosa |
| Intervention | Psilocybin therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Adverse effects Anorexia nervosa Clinical trial Magic mushroom treatment Medical risks Psychological intervention Side effects |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Understanding the unique medical complications of anorexia nervosa and how they may be impacted by common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin administration leads to tailored risk mitigation strategies to enhance safety and tolerability. |
Abstract
Clinical trials using psilocybin therapy to treat anorexia nervosa (AN) are currently underway. The safety and tolerability of psilocybin is of utmost importance in individuals with AN who may present unique medical vulnerabilities. The purpose of this review is to describe how the common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin may impact medical complications experienced by individuals with AN in clinical trials of psilocybin therapy. The physiologic underpinnings of common adverse effects following psilocybin administration are described, including tachycardia, hypertension, electrocardiogram changes, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. These anticipated physiologic changes are described in relation to the common medical correlates seen in individuals with AN. Risk mitigation strategies for each adverse effect are proposed. Early evidence suggests that psilocybin therapy is well-tolerated in individuals with AN. Understanding the unique medical complications of AN, and how they may be impacted by common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin administration, leads to tailored risk mitigation strategies to enhance safety and tolerability of this novel intervention.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Psychedelics and the treatment of eating disorders: considerations for future research and practice. Journal of Eating Disorders October 22, 2024
- The pharmacological treatment of anxiety in people with eating disorders: A systematic review Pharmacological Research May 14, 2025
- Breaking the chains of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of psilocybin therapy Journal of Affective Disorders December 17, 2025
- Exploring the neurobiological correlates of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in eating disorders: a review of potential methodologies and implications for the psychedelic study design Journal of Eating Disorders December 27, 2024
- Psychedelic treatment for anorexia nervosa: A first-hand view of how psilocybin treatment did and did not help Psychedelics November 7, 2024
and 8 more in the library
Cites 24
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
and 19 more in the library