Affiliation:
1. Discipline of Clinical Psychology Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
2. School of Psychological Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
3. Clinical Psychology Unit The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
4. INCIA CNRS UMR 5287 Univ. Bordeaux Bordeaux France
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveResearch regarding the therapeutic application of psychedelics and psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) has begun to emerge. This systematic scoping review aimed to map and synthesise the existing evidence regarding the participant reported efficacy and perspectives concerning psychedelics in the treatment of EDs, and to identify significant research gaps.MethodA systematic search was undertaken across several databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Results1290 publications were identified, 1135 after duplicates removed, with 17 meeting full‐eligibility criteria. Overall, findings suggested that most participants reported experiencing a meaningful reduction in their ED symptoms and having positive experiences or an openness to explore psychedelics as a treatment for ED symptoms, although some noted concerns of adverse effects and the importance of having psychological support to increase safety and efficacy.ConclusionsWhile preliminary research suggests psychedelics and psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy may be a viable treatment option for ED symptoms, further research with more robust research designs is required to increase confidence in its efficacy, generalisability, and safety as a therapeutic medium.