Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Eating Disorders: Potential Benefits & Considerations

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Among these emerging treatments, psilocybin—the active compound in “magic mushrooms”—is gaining attention for its potential to support eating disorder recovery in carefully guided, therapeutic settings.

Though still in the research phase, early findings are promising. This post explores the potential benefits, current research, and important considerations surrounding psilocybin-assisted therapy for eating disorders.

What Is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. When ingested, it is converted to psilocin, which affects serotonin receptors in the brain, altering perception, emotion, and cognition.

In controlled settings, psilocybin is often administered with psychological support before, during, and after the experience—what’s known as psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Why Consider Psilocybin for Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex conditions involving rigid thought patterns, deep-rooted shame, body image distortions, and trauma. These patterns are often difficult to shift with traditional treatments alone.

Psilocybin has been shown to:

• Increase cognitive flexibility

• Reduce default mode network activity (linked to obsessive thoughts and rumination)

• Enhance emotional openness and self-compassion

• Promote a sense of interconnectedness and meaning

These effects may help disrupt disordered thought cycles and foster deeper psychological insight, especially when combined with psychotherapy.

Early Research and Clinical Trials

While research is still in its early stages, a few key studies have begun to explore psilocybin's impact on eating disorders:

1. Imperial College London Study (2020–Present)

• A clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-assisted therapy for anorexia nervosa

• Aims to assess safety, feasibility, and psychological outcomes

• Preliminary reports indicate improvements in body image, emotional regulation, and eating disorder thoughts

2. Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research

• Involved in early-stage studies of psilocybin for anorexia nervosa and depression

• Focuses on therapeutic outcomes, mystical experiences, and integration therapy

3. MAPS and Compass Pathways

• Exploring psilocybin’s use in depression and anxiety, which are common comorbidities in eating disorders

• May offer transferable insights for broader eating disorder applications

While data is limited, anecdotal reports suggest that some individuals experience a loosening of rigid identity and self-concept, which may reduce the grip of the eating disorder.

Potential Benefits of Psilocybin in ED Recovery

1. Cognitive and Emotional Flexibility

Many eating disorders are characterized by black-and-white thinking, perfectionism, and cognitive rigidity. Psilocybin may support new perspectives and emotional processing.

2. Reduced Shame and Self-Criticism

Some participants report experiencing profound self-acceptance during psilocybin sessions—something that may be transformative in eating disorders, where self-loathing is common.

3. Spiritual and Existential Insight

A sense of connectedness or “unity” is frequently described. This can shift focus away from body image and control toward purpose, belonging, and healing.

4. Therapeutic Access to Repressed Emotions

Psilocybin may allow individuals to access and process past trauma or unresolved emotional pain in a supported environment—critical in cases where trauma underlies disordered eating.

Considerations and Risks

Despite potential, psilocybin is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are serious considerations and contraindications.

1. Psychological Vulnerability

For individuals with active psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe dissociation, psychedelics may exacerbate symptoms.

2. Medical Instability

People with severe malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, or cardiac risks (common in anorexia) may not be medically cleared for psychedelic treatment.

3. Unregulated Settings

Outside of clinical trials, psilocybin remains illegal in many countries and states. Use in unregulated environments can lead to unsafe psychological or physical experiences, particularly without trained support.

4. Integration Is Essential

The success of psilocybin therapy depends heavily on integration therapy—the psychological processing of insights after the session. Without integration, changes may not translate into lasting recovery.

Legal Status

As of 2025:

• Psilocybin is decriminalized in some U.S. cities (e.g., Denver, Oakland, Seattle) and legal for supervised therapeutic use in Oregon and Colorado.

• Clinical use is only legal through approved research trials or under medical exemptions in select locations.

Always consult legal guidelines and professional providers.

Who Might Benefit?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy may be considered in research or specialized settings for individuals who:

• Have not responded to traditional treatments

• Are medically and psychiatrically stable

• Are interested in spiritual or transpersonal approaches

• Are working with a trained therapist in a safe, legal setting

It is not appropriate as a first-line or standalone treatment, and should always be integrated within a broader care plan.

Final Thoughts

Psilocybin-assisted therapy holds genuine promise as a tool for expanding consciousness, promoting self-compassion, and unlocking rigid patterns—challenges at the core of many eating disorders.

However, it is not a miracle cure. Its use requires careful screening, ethical guidance, and professional support. As the research evolves, it’s important to stay informed, open-minded, and cautious.

Healing is a complex and deeply personal process. Whether through therapy, medication, community, or—one day—psychedelic-assisted care, recovery is always worth pursuing.

References

• Griffiths, R. R., et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181–1197.

• Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Friston, K. J. (2019). REBUS and the anarchic brain: Toward a unified model of the brain action of psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 71(3), 316–344.

• Roseman, L., et al. (2021). Psychedelic treatment for trauma-related psychological conditions: A review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 710787.

• Gasser, P., Kirchner, K., & Passie, T. (2015). LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 203(7), 513–520.

• Imperial College London. Psilocybin for Anorexia Clinical Trial. clinicaltrials.gov