Can magic mushrooms help treat anorexia?
Summary
Host Rachel Feltman interviews journalist Alexandra Petillo about emerging research on using psilocybin to treat anorexia nervosa. They discuss a small pilot trial where psilocybin therapy, combined with counseling, helped treatment-resistant patients achieve remission by increasing cognitive flexibility. While results are promising, experts caution that the data is preliminary and warn against unsupervised use due to potential psychological risks.
Topics discussed
Sponsor ads for Pepsi and Toyota
Introduction: Eating disorder statistics and treatment gaps
History of psychedelic research and recent renaissance
Why researchers are testing psilocybin for anorexia
Details and promising results of the Imperial College trial
The therapy experience: Setting, duration, and neuroplasticity
Participant stories: Profound shifts and regained agency
Mechanisms: Bypassing rigid thinking and accessing emotion
Scientific skepticism and future regulatory landscape
Risks of self-medication and need for professional support
Future research directions and conclusion
Helpline resources and episode credits
Listen ad-free on Castria