Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
Psilocybin combined with talk therapy shows potential for treating anorexia nervosa - PsyPost
Eating Disorders (Google News) · August 9, 2026
In plain language
A small pilot study indicates that psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, may help adult women with anorexia nervosa when paired with intensive talk therapy. Researchers found that this combination was generally safe and helped participants feel more motivated to recover from the eating disorder. While the study did not show significant changes in body weight during the first six weeks, many participants reported a lasting decrease in their eating disorder symptoms. This approach offers a new area of study for a condition that is often very difficult to treat with standard methods.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Psilocybin therapy combined with support was well tolerated by participants with long-term anorexia.
- Many study participants saw a significant decrease in eating disorder symptoms for up to six months.
- The treatment appeared to increase the internal motivation of patients to seek recovery.
- The intensive talk therapy accompanying the medication was considered an essential part of the treatment.
- Larger trials are needed to confirm these results and ensure they apply to more diverse groups.
- Participants in the study received roughly 50 hours of therapeutic contact alongside the psilocybin doses.
Psilocybin combined with talk therapy shows potential for treating anorexia nervosa PsyPost
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