Psilocybin as a Novel Pharmacotherapy for Treatment-Refractory Anorexia Nervosa
Sarah-Catherine Rodan, Phillip Aouad, Iain S. Mcgregor, Sarah Maguire
OBM Neurobiology June 24, 2021 DOI: 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2102102 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Anorexia nervosa Depression economics Hallucinogen Pharmacotherapy Psychological intervention Eating disorders Antidepressant |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key points | Proposes that classic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have the potential to normalize dysfunctional neurobiological systems in anorexia nervosa and provide a novel treatment intervention for treatment-resistant patients. |
Abstract
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a major health problem with one of the highest mortalities and treatment costs of any psychiatric condition. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is currently the most widely used treatment for AN in adults but provides remission rates ≤ 50%. Treatment drop-out is exceedingly high and those that persevere with treatment often relapse, causing increased risk of morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to find new interventions, especially as there are no approved pharmacological treatments for AN. Ideally, new treatments would target treatment-resistance and to decrease the chronicity associated with the disorder. Over the past two decades, emerging research into classic psychedelic substances (lysergic diethylamide acid (LSD), 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and psilocybin), indicates that marked reductions in anxiety and depression-like symptoms, and lasting improvement in mental health, can follow from one or two exposures to these psychedelic substances. Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent co-morbid psychiatric symptoms in AN. Here we suggest that classic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have the potential to normalise dysfunctional neurobiological systems in AN and provide a novel treatment intervention that is worthy of consideration, particularly for treatment-resistant patients.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm General population | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Taking Psychedelics Seriously | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Heffter Research Institute: Past and Hopeful Future | 2014 | Historical analysis | |
| Out of the box: A psychedelic model to study the creative mind | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study Nature Medicine July 24, 2023
- Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research European Eating Disorders Review October 12, 2023
- Psilocybin as a lead candidate molecule in preclinical therapeutic studies of psychiatric disorders: A systematic review Journal of Neurochemistry November 29, 2023
- Perspectives and preliminary experiences of psychedelics for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic scoping review. European Eating Disorders Review September 1, 2024
- Psychedelic use in individuals living with eating disorders or disordered eating: findings from the international MED-FED survey. Journal of Eating Disorders July 24, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 87
- 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
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 82 more in the library