Innovative Treatments for Eating Disorders Using Psychedelics and Cannabis

A groundbreaking international survey has shed light on the potential of psychedelics and cannabis as emerging treatments for eating disorders. Respondents who self-medicated with substances like 'magic mushrooms' or LSD reported significant relief from their symptoms, highlighting the therapeutic promise of these non-prescribed drugs. In contrast, substances like alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and cocaine were rated poorly, indicating their detrimental effects. Classic prescribed medications, including antidepressants, were generally perceived as ineffective in directly alleviating eating disorder symptoms, though they provided mental health benefits overall.

This extensive study, conducted by Ph.D. student Sarah-Catherine Rodan from the University of Sydney's Lambert Initiative, analyzed input from over 7,600 participants across 83 countries, making it the most comprehensive survey to date on this topic. Key findings revealed that cannabinoids, such as those found in cannabis, were especially rated highly by individuals with restrictive eating disorders like anorexia and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This is likely due to cannabis’s ability to enhance food reward, a core concern in these conditions. Psychedelics, taken infrequently, offered long-lasting positive effects, supporting recent research on their potential in treating depression and anxiety.

While traditional medications like antidepressants and stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine showed mixed results, many participants found self-medication with psychedelics helpful, particularly for managing symptoms of binge-eating disorder (BED). The survey also highlighted that drugs like alcohol and nicotine had negative impacts on mental health and eating disorder symptoms. These insights underscore the urgent need for rigorous clinical trials to investigate the true therapeutic potential of these substances.

Looking ahead, the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative is preparing to initiate clinical trials exploring psilocybin’s efficacy in treating anorexia nervosa, alongside studies on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for severe anorexia in young people. Experts involved in the research emphasize that well-designed clinical research is crucial to understand safety and effectiveness properly. Overall, this study gives a voice to those living with eating disorders, suggesting that substances often stigmatized could offer new hope and treatment options for these challenging conditions.