psilocybin has seen promise in the treatment of anorexia nervosa

Unlocking Psilocybin’s Potential: A New Frontier in Anorexia Treatment

Written by Admin Strange DM on September 19, 2023. Posted in Mental Health, Psilocybin, Research. No Comments on Unlocking Psilocybin’s Potential: A New Frontier in Anorexia Treatment

In a groundbreaking pilot study, scientists are paving a hopeful path for the utilization of psilocybin, a compound found in “magic mushrooms“, as a promising treatment avenue for adults grappling with anorexia nervosa, a severe condition currently lacking approved pharmacological interventions. In a pioneering trial led by Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck and her team at the University of California San Diego, a single 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin coupled with psychological support emerged as a well-tolerated and potentially transformative intervention for women with anorexia.

Notably, the participants – all of whom met the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia nervosa or were in partial remission – experienced a substantial decrease in weight and shape concerns, with effects sustained up to three months post-treatment. While variations in the impact were observed, an overwhelming majority recounted a heightened sense of optimism and a positive shift in their personal identity and life perspective following the treatment, with many even ranking the experience among the most meaningful events of their lives.

Sponsored by Compass Pathways, which also furnished the synthetic psilocybin formulation COMP360, the study signifies a thrilling stride in the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapy, which is concurrently being explored for its efficacy in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

Despite the small sample size and absence of a control group marking the study’s limitations, the promising results have propelled the launch of a more extensive Phase II trial. As researchers stand on the cusp of potentially revolutionizing anorexia treatment, the community holds its breath for a therapeutic approach that might finally bring enduring relief to those afflicted by this grave disorder, underscoring the vital need for innovative strategies to enhance treatment engagement and outcomes in the battle against anorexia.

The promising results emerging from the study of psilocybin therapy for anorexia nervosa point to a burgeoning paradigm shift in psychiatric treatment methodologies. The study, helmed by Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, parallels a wider movement in psychiatric research, which is progressively exploring the therapeutic potentials of substances previously classified strictly within a recreational or illicit framework.

Similarly, oral ketamine, another compound with a history of recreational use, has been ushered into the limelight as a potential game-changer in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, including anorexia.

As we stand on the threshold of what seems to be a new era in psychiatric treatment, it becomes increasingly evident that the potential applications of substances like psilocybin and ketamine are far-reaching. Both compounds have demonstrated a capacity to foster profound shifts in perception, identity, and overall quality of life in individuals grappling with complex psychiatric disorders, including anorexia nervosa.

Moreover, the combination of these substances with psychological support seems to amplify their therapeutic potential, nurturing deeper levels of healing and insight. This hints at the possibility of integrated treatment protocols in the near future that could revolutionize the management and potential recovery pathways for individuals with anorexia and other psychiatric conditions.

With continued research and a commitment to exploring innovative treatment avenues, we might be witnessing the dawn of a new epoch in psychiatry. One where previously stigmatized substances are re-evaluated and potentially re-purposed to craft more nuanced, holistic, and profoundly transformative therapeutic experiences, possibly opening doors to recovery avenues hitherto untraveled, and shedding new light on the complex landscape of human psychology and wellbeing.

Call us today to learn more about your treatment options for anorexia nervosa in Los Angeles. Our experienced therapists will walk you through our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy protocols to build you a personalized treatment plan. Get started on your journey to mental wellbeing today.

Link to the full article

Toad Venom: A Promising, Time-Efficient Alternative to Psilocybin for Depression Treatment

Written by Admin Strange DM on May 3, 2023. Posted in Depression, DMT, Mental Health, News, Psilocybin. No Comments on Toad Venom: A Promising, Time-Efficient Alternative to Psilocybin for Depression Treatment

Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is gaining momentum as scientists seek to understand the mechanisms behind their effects on the treatment of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. Psychedelics may provide lasting symptom relief through neurological changes, which can lead to transformative insights and new perspectives on one’s self and the universe.

Johns Hopkins researchers are exploring the potential of 5-MeO-DMT, a psychoactive substance found in some toad venom, as a more time-efficient alternative to psilocybin for treating depression and anxiety. While psilocybin therapy has shown promise, its lengthy 4-6 hour sessions may make it difficult for health insurance companies to cover treatment costs if the FDA indicates this substance safe for therapeutic use.

DMT, which has a much shorter duration of action, could offer similar therapeutic benefits in less time. Preliminary studies indicate that it may help combat depression and anxiety effectively, with users experiencing a powerful, mystical experience that alters their perspective on life. Further research is needed to build a case for clinical studies and to better understand how these substances provide relief for individuals suffering from mental health issues.

Despite challenges in obtaining funding for studying these substances not yet FDA indicated for therapeutic use, dedicated researchers like Davis are committed to exploring all avenues to provide better treatment and outcomes for individuals suffering from debilitating mental health issues.

Link to original article by Brennen Jensen.

For more information on ketamine assisted psychotherapy in Los Angeles, contact the Psychedelica Collective by calling (888) 850-0028 or filling out the form here.

woman looking in a broken mirror that could be suffering from symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder

Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder, but Not Social Anxiety

Written by Admin Strange DM on April 30, 2023. Posted in News, Psilocybin, Research. No Comments on Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder, but Not Social Anxiety

A recent study presented at the 2023 Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Conference reported that psilocybin, a psychedelic substance found in some species of mushrooms, may improve symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), but not social anxiety. BDD is a mental health condition where a person obsesses over perceived flaws in their appearance, often leading to social anxiety.

The study recruited 12 patients who received a single dose of psilocybin paired with psychological support. The researchers measured the patients’ experiences and symptoms over a 12-week period using various questionnaires and scales. Results showed that while BDD symptoms improved significantly during the treatment period, social anxiety symptoms did not.

The study also found that patients who had fewer negative aspects of the psychedelic experience and higher positive aspects showed greater improvement in BDD symptoms. However, the effects seemed to diminish over time.

Link to original article by Abdullah Hashmi, MD

As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to expand, researchers are increasingly exploring the potential of substances like psilocybin to treat various mental health conditions. Early studies like this open the door for further investigations into how psilocybin and other psychedelics may be utilized in personalized treatment plans. In the future, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the effects of these substances could lead to more targeted and effective therapies, ultimately transforming the way we approach mental health treatment.

While psilocybin is currently not FDA approved for therapeutic use, other psychedelics like ketamine are available to those looking to seek relief from persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. For those seeking ketamine for mental health, it is highly recommended to find clinics that offer in person preparation, supervised sessions, and integration session to get the full benefit. Furthermore, new telehealth laws may prohibit the prescription of these drugs in virtual care settings in the near future.

For more information about ketamine assisted therapy and if you might be a good fit for treatment, contact the Psychedelica Collective in Los Angeles today.