Eating disorders have long been recognised as difficult conditions to treat, with a low recovery rate among those affected.
However, a recent small-scale study has sparked hope by indicating that magic mushrooms could potentially play a role in treating anorexia.
Small study
The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, focused on the use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, as a potential treatment for anorexia.
Ten women with anorexia participated in the study, receiving a controlled dose of psilocybin along with psychological support.
The primary aim of the study was to establish the safety of psilocybin when administered to individuals who may be undernourished due to anorexia.
In terms of clinical assessments, there was a moderate improvement in four of the patients after three months, as measured by a standard eating disorder score.
However, nine of the subjects reported increased positive feelings about life, seven reported an improvement in quality of life, and eight put the experience as among the five most meaningful in their lives.
Anorexia nervosa affects approximately one in 70 women and remains a challenging condition to manage effectively. Traditional treatments often struggle to produce positive outcomes, making the search for innovative and effective therapies crucial.
Potential
Magic mushrooms have been gaining attention in the field of mental health treatment, with ongoing research exploring their potential in addressing various psychiatric disorders, including depression and addiction.
Read: Magic Mushrooms VS Antidepressants
The results of this study have added to the growing interest in psychedelics' therapeutic benefits.
The concern was that the hallucinogenic effects of the drug might worsen body dysmorphia, one of the symptoms associated with anorexia. However, the study found that the intervention was generally well-received, with participants reporting overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Many even rated it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Researchers believe that psilocybin may enhance brain plasticity, promoting the formation of new neural connections and disrupting negative thought patterns.
Other studies show that psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating emotions.
Despite the promising findings, experts emphasise the importance of conducting larger, placebo-controlled trials to thoroughly evaluate the potential benefits and risks of using psilocybin to treat anorexia.
Such research will provide more substantial evidence and help prevent unwarranted excitement around psychedelics' therapeutic applications.
Resurgence of magic mushrooms
Despite calls for its legalisation, in the United Kingdom, possession of magic mushrooms, whether fresh or dried, remains illegal, making research on these substances challenging and requiring special licences.
Read: Magic Mushroom Spores And Grow Kits Are Legal In The UK
In contrast, some states in the United States have decriminalised or legalised magic mushrooms for medical or recreational purposes.
The journey to reintegrate psychedelics into mainstream mental health treatments has not been without its challenges.
In the 1960s, research on psychedelics showed significant promise, but the movement was met with backlash, and the war on drugs declared by President Richard Nixon halted much of the research progress.
Today's scientists are approaching the subject more cautiously, conducting rigorous studies published in reputable journals and refraining from overhyping the results.
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