Outcomes of usage of psychedelics by people reporting an eating disorder in clinical and non-clinical settings: a scoping review

A systematic review of six studies found that people with eating disorders who used psychedelics (ayahuasca, DMT, LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, or ketamine) in clinical or non-clinical settings often reported reduced eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, and problematic substance use, along with improvements in depression and well-being. Some achieved complete remission. Participants described profound spiritual healing and insights into the psychological roots of their disorder. All qualitative studies met full quality criteria, while quantitative studies scored 20% to 60%. The findings are preliminary; randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and long-term effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Objective To map the studies reporting the use of psychedelics in clinical and non-clinical settings by people reporting an eating disorder (ED) and their outcomes.Method To be included, peer-reviewed articles had to be written in English or Spanish and had to address the usage of psychedelics by people reporting an ED. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data on key study characteristics and the findings from the studies were charted using a standardised form. Two reviewers independently charted the data from the included articles. Quality appraisal was conducted for all included studies.Results Six studies reporting the use of ayahuasca, DMT/5-MEO-DMT, LSD/1P-LSD, San Pedro/mescaline, psilocybin, and ketamine were included. After the psychedelic experiences, many participants reported diminished ED symptoms, reductions in anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, and problematic substance use, significant improvements in depression and wellbeing, and changes in self-perception, and some showed complete remission. Several participants felt profound spiritual healing and reported achieving deep insights into the psychological origins of their ED. All the qualitative studies met 100% of the quality appraisal criteria, whereas the quantitative studies were rated from between 20% and 60%.Discussion All included studies suggest that psychedelics promise therapeutic value for eating disorders. These findings are preliminary, and randomised controlled trials are necessary to prove psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy efficacy and long-term implications for eating disorders. Major changes in drug policy are urgent to facilitate research about psychedelics.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04661514.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04052568.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04505189.