Shrooms Canada recently gained attention for its potential use of psilocybin in addressing serotonin imbalances associated with anorexia, a psychiatric condition with one of the highest death rates. A significant 70% of people believe that psychedelics could be a new way to treat eating disorders.
In light of the current dearth of approved drug treatments, exploring psilocybin as a possible therapeutic solution is not only opportune, but it could also be revolutionary. Join us as we investigate the healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms.
Key Points to Note:
- People with this disorder often show diminished activity in serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to rigid thinking patterns that remain even after weight recovery.
- Traditional treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication, frequently fail to target the root causes of these disorders.
- Psilocybin’s ability to correct imbalances in brain signaling can alleviate rigid thinking, mood swings, anxiety, and distorted body image.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a multifaceted eating disorder marked by a profound fear of weight gain and a distorted self-image. People with this condition often impose severe eating restrictions on themselves, causing significant weight loss. Common symptoms include:
- Significant Weight Loss: Body weight considerably below the average for their age and height.
- Rigid Thinking: Persistent thought patterns. Harmful attitudes or beliefs about food and body image.
- Obsessive Behaviours: Compulsive calorie counting, excessive exercising, and avoidance of certain foods labelled as “unhealthy.”
- Physical Symptoms: Symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, hair loss, and other health problems due to malnutrition.
The cognitive inflexibility linked with this disorder often results in dichotomous
Thinking in black and white terms can make it challenging to consider different perspectives or make decisions related to food intake.
Understanding the Intricacies of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia often proves resistant to traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication, which struggle to address the root cognitive and neurobiological factors contributing to the condition.
| Traditional Therapies | Description | Limitations |
| Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) | A commonly employed therapy that helps patients recognize and change detrimental thoughts and actions related to food and body perception. | CBT has difficulty fostering flexible thinking, limiting its efficacy. It also fails to address imbalances that can hinder recovery. |
| Pharmacological Treatments | Use of medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to handle anxiety or depression that often accompany anorexia. | Many patients don’t respond well, and improvements are typically minor. These medications may not effectively address the disruptions causing rigid behaviours. |
| Cognitive Inflexibility (set-shifting) | Refers to the challenge in changing thoughts and actions. | Patients rigidly follow dietary rules, making it hard to change eating patterns. Individuals may fixate on specific food-related thoughts, leading to repetitive actions. |
Research indicates that serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter for mood and behaviour control, is disrupted in those with anorexia. This disruption significantly contributes to the persistence of the disorder and the difficulties faced during recovery.
Alterations in Serotonin Signalling
Those with anorexia exhibit reduced serotonin receptor activity, particularly in the 5-HT2A receptor. This decrease is associated with the cognitive rigidity observed in these individuals. This change persists even after weight gain, suggesting the disorder’s impacts extend beyond immediate nutritional deficiencies.
Rigid Thinking
The compromised signalling correlates with issues in cognitive flexibility. Those with anorexia demonstrate heightened activity in brain areas related to habitual decision-making rather than adaptable thinking. This shift leads to automatic reactions to food options, which lean towards low-calorie choices without conscious deliberation.
Impact on Treatment Outcomes
The deeply engrained habits formed from altered behavioral patterns can make recovery efforts daunting. A significant number of patients fall back into disordered eating habits post-treatment due to the habitual nature and resilience of their decision-making processes. Approximately half of those who showed initial positive response to treatment have experienced relapses.
The Interaction between Psilocybin and the Brain’s Serotonin System
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, primarily functions by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain. Upon consumption, the substance transforms into psilocin, which behaves as an agonist for several receptor types, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor.
Psilocin binds to 5-HT2A receptors, which are distributed across various regions of the brain. This binding triggers the psychedelic effects experienced by users, including alterations in perception and mood.
Research indicates that it reduces the energy required for the brain to transition between different activity states. This “flattening” of energy barriers facilitates smoother transitions, potentially increasing mental flexibility and adaptability.
Research on the Mental Health Benefits of Psilocybin
| Year of Publication | Authors/Institutions | Key Findings |
| 2023 | University of California | 40% of participants demonstrated significant reductions in problematic behaviours after a single 25-mg dose. |
| 2023 | Yale University, etc. | Usage of a 25-mg dose led to significant reductions in major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. |
| 2022 | Saint James School of Medicine, etc. | The review included data from several studies, highlighting symptom improvements in patients post-administration. |
Canada is at the forefront of exploring its medicinal applications, particularly through initiatives like “Shrooms Canada.” The Canadian government has dedicated nearly $3 million to facilitate clinical trials investigating the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for conditions such as mental disorders, alcohol dependency, and terminal cancer.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research are undertaking studies to delve deeper into the safety and effectiveness of psychotherapy. These trials are crucial for establishing evidence-based guidelines for using psychedelics in mental health treatments, specifically under the purview of Health Canada. wp:paragraph –>
Recognizes the potential benefits that could be gained from integrating these therapies into care systems.
The Promise of Psilocybin Therapy for Anorexia Treatment
Many individuals dealing with these disorders find it difficult to break free from rigid thought patterns. The neuroplastic effects of Psilocybin could provide a potential solution.
Rectifying imbalances in the neurotransmitter system through receptor stimulation can aid in easing rigidity and mood disorders. Alterations in these pathways frequently lead to anxiety, behavioral inhibition, and skewed body image perception, which are typical symptoms of this disorder.
Promoting Cognitive Flexibility
Fostering more adaptable thought patterns could assist patients in moving beyond fixed perceptions about food and body image. This adaptability is vital for breaking the rigid thinking commonly associated with this disorder. Such a cognitive shift has been helpful in other psychiatric conditions, indicating it may be beneficial for those battling eating disorders.
Recent Studies: Solid Evidence
Latest studies have begun exploring the potential of psychoactive substances in treating anorexia nervosa. Some of the significant research includes:
Treatment & Research Center for Disorders
A Phase 1 trial involving 10 anorexic women demonstrated that a single 25 mg dose, combined with psychological support, was safe and well-accepted. Approximately 40% of the participants reported substantial decreases in eating disorder behaviors after the treatment.
The participants also reported less anxiety and food-related obsessions, with many describing the experience as transformative.
Department of Physiology, Monash University
A study in Molecular Psychiatry investigated the effects of cognitive flexibility and weight maintenance in a rat model of anorexia. The results not only showed maintenance of body weight but also a significant improvement in cognitive adaptability in response to changes in reward conditions.
Final Thoughts
Traditional treatments for these disorders are complex, and relapses are common as many of these treatments fail to address the core brain chemistry imbalances, such as serotonin levels. Psychedelics, by interacting with neural pathways related to eating disorders, offer a promising alternative. Their potential to rewire the brain provides a new beacon of hope for patients seeking a lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of psychotherapy in psilocybin-assisted treatment?
In psilocybin-assisted treatment, trained healthcare professionals administer psychotherapy to help guide patients through their experiences, minimize risks, and maximize therapeutic benefits. The integration of psychotherapy is designed to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
What is the procedure to get these regulated substances?
Psilocybin and other psychedelics can be legally obtained either by participating in clinical trials or through online platforms. These sources guarantee the purity of these controlled substances, ensuring they are free from harmful additives such as cocaine.
Does the active ingredient have a role in managing mental health problems associated with eating disorders?
Yes. Initial clinical trials suggest that psilocybin can help reduce symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety. Patients who use psilocybin often report an overall improvement in their well-being, leading to a better quality of life.
