A groundbreaking study published recently explores the potential use of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component of magic mushrooms, in treating patients with anorexia. The University of California conducted the study on ten patients who had been struggling with the eating disorder for years without success from standard treatments. Each patient was given a single pill containing psilocybin, and after three months, 40% of them entered remission. This means that their responses to a standardized questionnaire improved from indicating anorexia to falling within the normal range. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, suggest that psilocybin could potentially revolutionize anorexia treatment, given the disorder’s high mortality rate. However, it is important to note that the study was small and focused on the drug’s safety rather than its efficacy. Additionally, there was no placebo group for comparison. Larger studies are currently underway to further investigate the potential benefits of psilocybin in treating anorexia.
Anorexia affects approximately 100,000 people in the UK and is characterized by a fixation on food and body shape, often leading to dangerously low body weight. Despite efforts to effectively treat anorexia, some patients struggle to overcome their illness due to their identification with it. Talking therapies can be helpful, particularly when administered early, but overcoming the deep-seated feelings associated with anorexia can be incredibly challenging.
The trial participants in this study were given a 25 mg tablet of synthetically made psilocybin, and after three months, their symptoms were reassessed. While there was little change in weight overall, some patients experienced improvements in their symptoms, and nine of them reported a shift in their identity regarding their anorexia. The theory behind psilocybin’s potential effectiveness is that it “re-sets” the brain, breaking the rigid thought processes that contribute to anorexic behavior.
Psilocybin breaks down into another drug called psilocin in the body, which attaches to serotonin receptors, known for their role in mood regulation. The drug appears to have an immediate effect on the brain’s pathways and plasticity, which leads to changes in the connections between cells. Guy Goodwin, the Chief Medical Officer of Compass Pathways, the company that produced the synthetic psilocybin used in the study, highlights the importance of informing patients about potential side effects and ensuring they understand what to expect during their treatment.
It is worth noting that the use of psilocybin for treating mental health disorders is still a topic of debate and further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential side effects. However, this study opens up exciting possibilities for exploring alternative treatments for anorexia and may contribute to advancements in the understanding and management of the disorder.
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