A woman laying on the floor with her eyes shut. Read time: 4 minutes
In 2023, a clinical trial led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), explored the safety and therapeutic potential of psilocybin for anorexia nervosa (AN).
Now ,the team, led by Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck , a clinical psychologist and associate clinical professor at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center, has provided an updated analysis and further details of the trial in an article published in Psychedelics – revealing first-hand experiences from the original 10 participants. Anorexia nervosa is one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses
Over 28 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. AN is a life-threatening psychiatric illnesses, defined by extreme weight loss, distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. With the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, ~5% of patients die within 4 years of diagnosis. Despite decades of research, many patients still struggle with lifelong symptoms even after intervention. Want more breaking news?
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Traditional therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional rehabilitation and pharmacological treatments, often have only limited success. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to more unconventional methods, such as psychedelic medicine, in the search for more effective treatment avenues.
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound present in psychedelic mushrooms, has gained attention for its benefcicial effects in treating a range of mental health conditions, such as depression , anxiety and addiction. Psilocybin acts on the serotonin system and can alter an individual’s perception. Since changes in serotonin function have been implicated in anorexia, researchers believe that psilocybin treatment may help address aspects of the disorder untouched by conventional methods. The serotonin system
The serotonin system is a network of neurons, receptors and signaling molecules that regulate various physiological and psychological processes in the body. It is centered around the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT). The serotonin system is involved in mood regulation, appetite, sleep, pain perception and cognitive function. The serotonin 2A […]
Could Psychedelics Transform Treatment for Eating Disorders?
