Magic mushrooms against anorexia: new hope in therapy

Magic mushrooms against anorexia: new hope in therapy

Magic mushrooms against anorexia: that's not enough!

A current study shows that Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, could be a promising therapy option against anorexia. According to the Robert Koch Institute, a fifth of German young people between the ages of 11 and 17 suffer from disturbed eating behavior, with young girls and women in particular affected by anorexia. However, the mental illness is difficult to treat, which is why the search for new treatment methods is of great importance.

The first study on therapy with PSILocybin was carried out in the USA and already shows promising results. Experts see great potential for the use of psilocybin in anorexia, but emphasize that further tests with more subjects are necessary.

The effect of psilocybin is based on breaking blockages and the exposed of traumatic processes. This is particularly important for healing, since the cause of anorexia is often in trauma that trigger the need for control over your own body. However, psychological care is essential for therapy with magic mushrooms, since the experience should take place under supervision.

Why such approaches are only being examined is unclear. In view of the high mortality rate for anorexia and the lack of an officially approved drug, it is urgently needed to invest in the research of therapies against disturbed eating behavior. In addition, prevention and clarification should be reinforced. Pupils and social media users have to be informed about the illness and their dangers in order to call them more aware.

The study on therapy with psilocybin against anorexia offers promising approaches, which, however, have to be researched even further. It is hoped that new treatment options will be developed in the future to help those affected.