A groundbreaking study at UC San Diego has shed new light on the potential of magic mushrooms in treating anorexia, a severe and often life-threatening eating disorder. With no FDA-approved treatment for anorexia, this novel approach has captured the attention of researchers seeking transformative solutions.

"There's no FDA approved treatment for anorexia. this tends to be a chronic and sometimes a deadly disorder," said Walter Kaye, the founder of the UC San Diego Eating Disorder Clinic.

Led by Walter Kaye the study explored the effects of Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, on individuals suffering from anorexia. The aim was to alter their perceptions and pave the way for healing and recovery.

"The whole purpose is to be with those experiences to figure out if they can find new information or some transformative experience to breakthrough and help them heal," said Stephanie Knatz Peck, a clinical psychologist who is working with Kaye at UC San Diego.

Working alongside Kaye, clinical psychologist Stephanie Knatz Peck explained the methodology. Ten participants engaged in the pilot trial, receiving a high dose of Psilocybin in a synthesized pill form. Throughout the process, they underwent therapy before, during, and after their psychedelic experience.

"One participant, who suffered from anorexia for nearly two decades, talked about having a vision of her eating disorder coming out of her as a skeleton and dying in front of her. The very next day she reported that she no longer identified with having an eating disorder," she said.

These promising results have ignited a strong desire among researchers to delve deeper into the connection between psychedelics and anorexia treatment. Consequently, they are in the process of recruiting participants for a larger phase two trial, which will compare the effects of a placebo to an active dose of Psilocybin. Participants are still needed and will be compensated for their time.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, current diagnosis of anorexia, able to attend up to 14 in-person visits within a four to five-month period.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old, currently diagnosed with anorexia, and able to attend up to 14 in-person visits over a four to five-month period. For those who meet the criteria, contacting Jessie Kim at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research at jbk005@health.ucsd.edu is the first step towards making a difference.

The potential of psychedelic substances doesn't stop with anorexia treatment. In California, a movement is underway to decriminalize specific psychedelic substances, including Psilocybin mushrooms. If successful, this initiative would empower doctors to prescribe the mushroom for medicinal purposes and allow individuals to grow and use it recreationally.

"I've been in this field a long time and we've had very few that have really changed the perceptions of people with anorexia it's very promising," Kaye said.

Walter Kaye, a seasoned expert in the field, expressed his enthusiasm, remarking that very few interventions have had such a profound impact on individuals with anorexia. The future holds great promise as the intersection of psychedelics and mental health treatment continues to be explored, providing hope for those who suffer from this debilitating disorder.