Psychedelics and the Serotonin Hypothesis of Eating Disorders
Dean Bilenker, Nicole M. Avena
Brain Sciences August 21, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15080893 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Psilocybin Ayahuasca MDMA |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Bulimia nervosa Binge eating Eating disorders Cognitive flexibility Cognition Psychopathology Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Serotonergic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, may improve eating disorder symptoms and quality of life, but evidence is preliminary and methodologically limited. |
Abstract
Recent advances in psychedelic research have renewed interest in their therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive and behavioral rigidity. This review examines the rationale for using serotonergic psychedelics—particularly 5-HT2A receptor agonists such as psilocybin—in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). The paper contextualizes these interventions within the broader serotonin hypothesis of EDs, emphasizing serotonergic dysregulation and impaired cognitive flexibility as central features of these conditions. Drawing from animal models, human neuroimaging studies, and emerging clinical trials, the authors outline how psychedelics may promote neuroplasticity and psychological insight through modulation of 5-HT2A signaling. Preliminary evidence from open-label studies suggests psilocybin may improve ED symptoms and quality of life, though findings are early and methodologically limited. The paper also reviews data on ayahuasca, MDMA, and non-psychedelic serotonergic agents, highlighting both the promise and complexity of psychedelic-assisted therapy in EDs. The authors conclude that while further controlled trials are needed to clarify efficacy, safety, and optimal treatment parameters, psychedelics offer a novel, mechanistically distinct avenue for addressing entrenched ED psychopathology.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Psilocybin as a Transdiagnostic Treatment for Eating Disorders and Comorbid Psychopathology: Implications for Clinical Nosology and Research Directions International Journal of Eating Disorders July 2, 2026
- Study Protocol for "Exploring the safety and therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults". PLoS One June 30, 2026
Cites 38
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- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
and 33 more in the library