A research team conducted an international survey of individuals with eating disorders and found that cannabis and psychedelics provided relief from symptoms. Data analysis showed that respondents who self-medicated with non-prescribed drugs rated cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or psilocybin (also known as “magic mushrooms”) reported that these substances provided symptom relief for anxiety and depression. The findings published in JAMA Network Open emphasized the potential therapeutic value of cannabis and psychedelics for those suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and other eating disorders.
The survey asked respondents about their use of prescription and non-prescription drugs and their perceptions of how these substances impact their mental health and eating disorder symptoms. Data included responses from over 7,600 respondents in 83 countries. The major categories of eating disorders represented in the survey included anorexia nervosa (40%), bulimia nervosa (19%), binge-eating disorder (11%), and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) (9%). Roughly one-third of respondents were not formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, but they self-reported having an eating disorder. Some commonly reported co-morbid mental health conditions included depression (65%), generalized anxiety disorder (55%), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (33%), drug dependence (15%), and alcohol dependence (9%).
A majority of respondents were female (94%), and most resided in English-speaking countries, including Australia (30%), the United Kingdom (21.3%), and the United States (18%).
The results revealed that patients with eating disorders have high rates of cannabis and psychedelic use and reported positive effects in managing symptoms. Respondents with restrictive eating disorders, such as anorexia and ARFID, claimed cannabis had positive effects. Data analysis revealed that respondents typically only took psychedelics once or twice a year, and respondents reported experiencing long-lasting benefits. The findings also showed that widely used substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine resulted in negative outcomes on eating disorder symptoms and mental health. Prescribed drugs, such as antidepressants, were generally not well rated for treating eating disorders but were positively rated for effects on general mental health.
The findings suggest that traditional medications are not always effective in treating eating disorders, and consequently, patients seek alternative sources of relief. The study highlights the need for larger clinical trials exploring the beneficial effects of cannabis and psychedelics for people with eating disorders.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, JAMA Network Open