Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for People with Eating Disorders.
Natalie Gukasyan, Colleen C Schreyer, Roland R. Griffiths, Angela S Guarda
Current Psychiatry Reports December 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01394-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People diagnosed with eating disorders, with a focus on anorexia nervosa |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Anorexia nervosa Eating disorders Psychedelics hallucinogens Disordered eating Psychiatric care Psychological intervention |
| Citations | 29 |
| Key findings | High-quality published data to support the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for people with eating disorders remains lacking, though recent studies suggest it has potential to augment current interventions. |
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may be safe and effective for a variety of mental health conditions. Among these, eating disorders have been a recent target of interest. This review provides an up-to-date summary of the potential mechanisms and use of PAT in people diagnosed with eating disorders, with a focus on anorexia nervosa. Classic psychedelics may have transdiagnostic efficacy through several mechanisms relevant to eating disorder pathology. Interest in, and efforts to increase access to PAT are both high. Early clinical trials are focused on establishing the safety and utility of this treatment in eating disorders, and efficacy remains unclear. High-quality published data to support the use of PAT for people with eating disorders remains lacking. Recent studies however suggest PAT has the potential to augment the efficacy of current interventions for these difficult-to-treat conditions.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Research and Development | 2018 | Review | |
| Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. | 2016 | Review | |
| Systematized Review of Psychotherapeutic Components of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy | 2021 | Systematized review | |
| The Emerging Field of Psychedelic Psychotherapy. | 2022 | Review | |
| Experience of Music Used With Psychedelic Therapy: A Rapid Review and Implications Participants in psychedelic therapy research aged 18–69 with varied backgrounds | 2020 | Rapid review | n = 180 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 24
- Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study Nature Medicine July 24, 2023
- Psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders: Rationale and potential mechanisms European Neuropsychopharmacology June 21, 2023
- Psychedelic therapy in depression and substance use disorders European Journal of Neuroscience May 21, 2024
- Therapeutic emergence of dissociated traumatic memories during psilocybin treatment for anorexia nervosa Journal of Eating Disorders May 26, 2025
- Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for eating disorders: a narrative review of preliminary evidence Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy May 1, 2023
and 19 more in the library
Cites 46
- 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
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
and 41 more in the library