Norrsken Mind is funding a randomized controlled trial at Lund University to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of psilocybin, in comparison to standard treatment, for young adults with severe anorexia nervosa. The study will involve 40 participants and is led by Pouya Movahed Rad, Senior researcher, at Lund University.

Anorexia nervosa affects approximately 1% of young women and older female adolescents. It is characterized by significantly low body weight, distorted body image, and an intense fear of weight gain. It also has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, being approximately 11 times higher than that of the general population. 

More than half of adult patients with anorexia develop a chronic and severe form of the condition. Research suggests that various psychological factors, including difficulties in affect regulation, mental rigidity, and a limited capacity for mentalization, contribute to the persistence of severe chronic anorexia. Although various therapies may be effective in addressing the core dysfunctional thinking and behaviors associated with anorexia, there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments and the relapse rate exceeds 50%.

Early stage clinical studies demonstrate psilocybin’s potential to treat various psychiatric disorders, including anorexia and common comorbidities such as mood disorders and addictions.

This study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy of two 25 mg doses of psilocybin compared to standard treatment for young adults with severe anorexia nervosa. Potential mechanisms of action will be investigated through self-reports, neurobiological assessments, and neuroimaging techniques.

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