Psilocybin Study Shows Promise in Treating Anorexia – No Serious Side Effects
A recent study has found that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may be a safe and tolerable drug for treating anorexia. Conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Michigan Medical School, the study involved administering psilocybin to ten female participants with anorexia, who also received psychological support.
The results of the study showed that none of the participants experienced any serious adverse effects from the drug. Furthermore, one month after taking psilocybin, the participants reported a significant decline in concerns about their physical shape. This decline, however, diminished at the three-month follow-up assessment.
While the study did not demonstrate that psilocybin therapy can be used to treat anorexia nervosa, it highlighted that the drug is safe and well-tolerated among anorexia patients. No serious adverse events were reported, except for two participants who developed low blood sugar levels, which resolved within 24 hours without medical intervention.
Although the sample size was small and the results were highly variable among participants, four individuals demonstrated clinically significant reductions in symptom presentation at the three-month follow-up. This suggests that further, more comprehensive trials could potentially uncover a true clinical benefit of psilocybin in anorexia treatment.
It is important to note that the study had some limitations, including a small clinical sample and a lack of control comparison. However, these findings offer hope in addressing the unmet need for effective treatment options for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa.
In conclusion, this study suggests that psilocybin is a safe and well-tolerated drug among anorexia patients. While the clinical implications are yet to be fully understood, these preliminary findings are a step forward in exploring the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and efficacy of this approach to provide better therapeutic options for individuals struggling with this mental health disorder.
