A recent study found that psilocybin therapy which is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and addictions can help in the treatment of people with an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa. The study was published in the journal Psychedelics. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder which is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight.
This causes people to restrict their food intake severely and often engage in excessive exercise. People with this form of eating disorder usually have a distorted body image wherein they see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously thin. This disorder can lead to severe health complications, including malnutrition, weakened bones, heart issues and in extreme cases, death.
Anorexia nervosa affects both physical and mental health, along with other conditions like depression and anxiety. Psychedelic therapy is a mental health treatment that uses psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) and MDMA for therapeutic breakthroughs in people with mental health disorders. When combined with psychotherapy, these substances can help patients process traumatic memories, gain new perspectives, and reduce symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction.
Though this form of therapy is largely experimental and strictly regulated, there is growing research on it benefits and how it can be used to treat mental health issues. Dr Stephanie Knatz Peck at t.