Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical Considerations and Emerging Models of Care.
Jamarie Geller, Rachel M Pacilio, Amanda E. Downey, Anya Ragnhildstveit, Marissa Raymond-Flesch, Stéphanie Knatz Peck, Natalie Gukasyan
Current Psychiatry Reports May 14, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-026-01679-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adolescents with anorexia nervosa |
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Adolescent psychiatry Anorexia nervosa |
| Key points | Argues that psilocybin-assisted therapy may hold promise for adolescents with anorexia nervosa and proposes adaptations to adult treatment models for this population. |
Abstract
There is growing evidence that psychedelics and associated treatment modalities may offer therapeutic benefits across a range of psychiatric conditions. Anorexia nervosa (AN), a serious and often treatment-resistant illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality, is one such condition for which psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) may hold promise. To date, research on PAT for AN has focused primarily on adults, despite the fact that AN frequently begins in adolescence, and early age of onset portends poorer prognosis, including more severe AN, more lifetime psychiatric comorbidity, and greater life difficulties. Given these risks, an exploration of the theoretical potential of PAT for adolescent populations is warranted. Important considerations include biological implications, developmental stage, and consent. Adaptations to the current models of psilocybin-assisted therapy in studies of adults are proposed, and emerging models that address the unique challenges of these patients are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The influence of therapists’ first-hand experience with psychedelics on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and therapist training | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |