With common treatments for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) being expensive and barely able to produce any significant results, the use of psilocybin has become an important topic of debate. A recent study involving 10 women suffering from AN or in remission, has shown promising results with only a single 25 mg microdose of psilocybin administered alongside professional psychological support.
Although this was considered only a small, open-label feasibility study, the results show great promise in developing a possibly efficient and affordable treatment based on the active ingredient of psilocybe cubensis mushrooms in the near future.
The Surprising Advantages of Using Psilocybin
The women involved in the study had the ages of 18 to 40 and an average BMI of under 20. Even though no significant physiological changes were observed after the initial introduction of psilocybin, results were seen over the next 1-3 months.
The primary effect of psilocybin was found to be psychological in nature. The women found themselves feeling less anxious and worried about food and their appearance. After 3 months, four of the women scored significantly better on eating disorder tests compared to their previous assessment. Also, shape concerns in particular were found to be better after 1 month, but then the problem reappeared at the 3-month follow-up.
Additionally any adverse effects that are commonly associated with psilocybin use – such as nausea, headaches or fatigue, were generally seen as being mild along the duration of the study.
Overall, the results were surprisingly positive, as 80% of the participants considered the experience to be one of the most significant in their lives, while 70% said that their entire identity changed for the better.
The Importance of Further Research
Due primarily to the fact that the study was a relatively small, “phase 1” study, experts are not too impressed just yet. They say that further research is mandatory before the positive benefits shown here are to be confirmed more conclusively. People often wonder how to microdose mushrooms for medical reasons. It is very important that all research be conducted by experienced and reputable members of the medical and scientific community.
Nevertheless, the results themselves justify the encouragement of further studies being made, and both the authors of the study and outside experts agree that the matter should be looked into more thoroughly. They consider it even more important to assess the full advantages of psilocybin, considering the fact that no other approved medication known to be effective against AN actually exists.