Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study

The primary aim of this study is to assess the acceptability and efficacy of treating anorexia nervosa with psilocybin. The secondary aim of this study is to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the neuronal underpinnings of treatment with psilocybin in this patient group.

Topic Eating Disorders
Compound Psilocybin
Country United Kingdom
Visit trial
Status Recruiting
Results Published
Start date 01 May 2021
End date 01 September 2023
Chance of happening 100%
Phase Phase I Phase II
Design Open
Type Interventional
Participants 20
Sex Female
Age 21- 65
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

Anorexia nervosa is the most fatal of all psychiatric conditions. With the current paucity of effective pharmacological and psychological treatments, and fewer than half of those diagnosed making a full recovery, there is a great need for new treatment avenues to be explored. For this study, we will recruit patients who have been suffering from a DSM-V diagnosis of anorexia nervosa for 3 years or more, and who have found other forms of treatment ineffective. Over a period of 6 weeks, participants who are deemed eligible at screening will partake in 8 study visits, including three psilocybin dosing sessions with varying doses. The maximum dose of psilocybin a participant will receive in a single session is 25 mg. Across these 8 visits, there will also be 2 MRI scans, up to 5 EEG recordings and a range of psychological measures (questionnaires and interviews). There will be a follow-up period of 12 months following the final study visit.

NCT Number NCT04505189

Sponsors & Collaborators

Imperial College London
The Centre for Psychedelic Research studies the action (in the brain) and clinical use of psychedelics, with a focus on depression.

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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