Effects of Psilocybin in Anorexia Nervosa

This open-label pilot study seeks to investigate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in persons with chronic anorexia nervosa (AN). Psilocybin has previously been demonstrated to decrease depression and anxiety and increase long-term positive behaviour change in other populations.

The investigators seek to determine whether similar changes can be safely produced in people with AN when psilocybin is administered in a supportive setting with close follow-up. The investigators’ primary hypotheses are that psilocybin is safe to administer in people with AN, that it will reduce measures of anxiety and depression, and that it will lead to increased quality of life.

The investigators will also assess a number of exploratory measures related to eating disorder pathophysiology.

Topic Eating Disorders
Compound Psilocybin
Country United States of America
Visit trial
Status Active, not recruiting
Results Published
Start date 26 August 2019
End date 01 December 2022
Chance of happening 100%
Phase Phase I
Design Open
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 18
Sex All
Age 18- 65
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

This open-label pilot study seeks to investigate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in persons with chronic anorexia nervosa (AN). Psilocybin has previously been demonstrated to decrease depression and anxiety and increase long-term positive behavior change in other populations. The investigators seek to determine whether similar changes can be safely produced in people with AN when psilocybin is administered in a supportive setting with close follow-up. The investigators' primary hypotheses are that psilocybin is safe to administer in people with AN, that it will reduce measures of anxiety and depression, and that it will lead to increased quality of life. The investigators will also assess a number of exploratory measures related to eating disorder pathophysiology.

NCT Number NCT04052568

Sponsors & Collaborators

Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University (Medicine) is host to the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, which is one of the leading research institutes into psychedelics. The center is led by Roland Griffiths and Matthew Johnson.

Measures Used

Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is a self-report questionnaire that has been adapted from the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE).

Eating Disorder Examination Interview
The Eating Disorder Examination Interview (EDE) is a semi-structured interview conducted by a clinician that has been modified to reflect the current DSM-5 diagnosis. The EDE is rated using four subscales; restraint, eating concern, shape concern and weight concern.

Data attribution

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