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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
07:46
Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
14.5K
Psilocybin for anorexia nervosa: If it helps, let's learn how.
Evelyn Attia1, Joanna E Steinglass2
1NYS Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA.
Med (New York, N.Y.)
|September 9, 2023
Summary
This study explored psilocybin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex brain disorder with limited treatment efficacy.
- Current therapeutic options for AN show suboptimal outcomes in adults.
- AN involves severe undernourishment due to behavioral and cognitive disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of psilocybin as a novel therapeutic agent for anorexia nervosa.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying anorexia nervosa.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of psilocybin in adults with AN.
Main Methods:
- A small open-label trial was conducted.
- Psilocybin was administered to adult participants with anorexia nervosa.
- Safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest that psilocybin is safe and well-tolerated in adults with AN.
- The trial indicated a potential avenue for further investigation.
- Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic benefits.
Conclusions:
- Psilocybin shows promise as a potential treatment for anorexia nervosa.
- The study opens new avenues for understanding AN's neural underpinnings.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and optimize treatment.
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