Eating Disorder Awareness: Psychedelics Show Promise In The Treatment of Eating Disorders
“Americans diagnosed with eating disorders participated in the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca. After their eye-opening experience, participants stated that the brew had changed their perception of their bodies.”
Every year, The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) promotes Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a week dedicated to decreasing the stigma around eating disorders. The week provides crucial education to the public, offers resources that could potentially save lives, and delivers an essential message of hope. With psychedelics showing immense promise in the treatment of eating disorders, our goal is to raise awareness, provide accessible resources, and share the potential role that psychedelics may play in the future treatment of eating disorders.
Do you know what the deadliest mental illness is? It’s not uncommon for most people to think that depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia is linked to the highest mortality rates in the U.S. The truth is, eating disorders are the leading cause of deaths related to mental illness. More than 10,200 people suffering from eating disorders die each year, with 26% of sufferers attempting suicide. To put that in perspective, that’s one death every 52 minutes! 9% of Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Whether that be anorexia, binge eating, bulimia nervosa, or other types of eating disorders.
With 28,000 Americans struggling with this deadly mental illness, you may know someone who’s suffering and not even realize it. There are several “silent signs”, as eating disorders are not so black and white as they are often portrayed in the media. The reality is that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their weight, age, gender, ethnicity, or social and economic status. Due to cultural norms, like diets and over-exercising, it can be hard to identify whether someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder.
However, there is a reason to stay positive. There are increasing numbers of anecdotal reports of sufferers using psychedelics to help heal their eating disorders. Meanwhile, promising research in psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders is growing at a staggering rate. Research has shown that under the right care, Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew containing DMT, may help those who are suffering from this mental illness. In one study, 16 Americans diagnosed with eating disorders participated in the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca. After their eye-opening experience, participants stated that the brew had changed their perception of their bodies. Moreover, 11 out of 16 of those participants shared that the experience helped reduce some of their eating disorder symptoms.
Additionally, psilocybin has been paving the way for treatment-resistant mental disorders. A current study is underway on the psychological effects of psilocybin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. MDMA has also displayed promising results in the treatment of PTSD. It’s no wonder why MAPS (The Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) is conducting the first Phase 2 clinical study on the safety and viability of MDMA-assisted therapy for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Research of the traditional long-term treatment for eating disorders has shown to be challenging with high dropout and relapse rates. With treatment resistance being a commonality for those suffering from eating disorders, psychedelics offer new hope. Researchers have stated that the resistance to treatment may come from the needs and goals of the ego. This means that the behaviors, values, and emotions that may express themselves through the symptoms of the disease could be related to ego needs. With the nature of psychedelics being known to dissolve the ego, it seems likely that psychedelic therapy could potentially offer those suffering a new perspective in relation to their mental illness. With traditional treatment being largely ineffective, this powerful new form of therapy is re-emerging and offering a light at the end of the tunnel for those seeking success in the treatment of their eating disorder.
Resources For Those With Eating Disorders
Studies you can sign up for:
Articles/Books to read:
NEDA - Sharing Recovery Stories
Alliance for Eating Disorders - Hope In Uncertain Times
Eating Disorders Resource Center - COVID-19 Effects on Eating Disorders
Hotlines for Sufferers:
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) runs a free, confidential hotline available Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am EST – 9:00 pm EST and Friday, 9:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST.
Call 1-800-931-2237 or Text “NEDA” to 741-741
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a helpline that can provide information and support regarding a variety of mental health concerns, including eating disorders. The helpline is available Monday–Friday, 10:00 am EST – 6:00 pm EST.
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or Text “NAMI” to 741-741
Support Groups:
Eating Disorders Resource Center
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Author: Bre Jenkins
Bre Jenkins, a certified health coach, previously worked in mainstream wellness before shifting her focus to energy healing and psychedelic medicine to support deep healing and personal expansion. She is certified in Reiki levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Inner Dance and Psychedelic Integration. Her work has been featured in major publications, and she is also a significant voice in the psychedelics space, contributing to renowned psychedelic companies such as Doubleblind Mag, Third Wave, The Ancestor Project, and more.