Psychedelics and the Role of Serotonin in Eating Disorders

Preliminary evidence suggests that psilocybin may improve symptoms of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

• Serotonergic psychedelics, particularly 5-HTA receptor agonists, are being explored for their potential therapeutic effects on eating disorders.
• Cognitive rigidity and serotonergic dysregulation are central features associated with eating disorders.
• Animal models and human studies indicate that psychedelics may promote neuroplasticity and enhance psychological insight.
• Findings from open-label studies are early and methodologically limited, warranting further investigation.
• Psychedelic-assisted therapy presents both promise and complexity in treating entrenched eating disorder psychopathology.

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