Using psilocybin to treat Anorexia Nervosa

Research on using psilocybin-assisted therapy for anorexia nervosa is currently very limited but shows initial promise:

• Phase 1 Trial: A study involving 10 women with anorexia showed psilocybin with therapy to be safe and tolerable for the trial participants.

• Potential Benefits: Some participants in the study reported positive experiences and reduced food and body image anxieties at the 1-month follow-up, with a few achieving remission.

These are very preliminary findings due to the small sample size. Larger studies are needed to confirm any effectiveness.

However, there are a few reasons why researchers believe psilocybin therapy might hold promise for treating anorexia nervosa:

• Reduced Ego and Increased Openness: Psilocybin can induce a temporary weakening of the ego, potentially leading to a more open and receptive state of mind. This openness could be valuable in therapy by allowing individuals with anorexia to consider new perspectives on their relationships with food and body image.

• Addressing Underlying Issues: Anorexia is often linked to deeper emotional issues like anxiety or depression. Psilocybin's ability to promote introspection and emotional connection may help individuals confront and process these underlying problems that contribute to the eating disorder.

• Shifting Thought Patterns: Some studies suggest psilocybin can help break down rigid thinking patterns. This could be beneficial for those with anorexia who struggle with obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and control.

• Brain Connectivity: Psilocybin appears to affect how different brain regions communicate. Anorexia is considered a brain-based illness, so these changes in brain connectivity could potentially lead to lasting improvements in eating disorder symptoms, though more research is needed in this area.