Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical Considerations and Emerging Models of Care.
Jamarie A Geller, Rachel Pacilio, Amanda E Downey, Anya Ragnhildstveit, Marissa Raymond-Flesch, Stephanie Knatz-peck, Natalie Gukasyan
Current psychiatry reports May 14, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/s11920-026-01679-z via PubMed
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) may offer therapeutic benefits for adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), a condition that often begins in adolescence and is associated with severe outcomes. Research has primarily focused on adults, but the unique challenges and developmental considerations of adolescents warrant exploration of PAT in this population. Proposed adaptations to current adult models aim to address the specific needs of adolescents suffering from AN.
Study at a glance
| Population | adolescents with anorexia nervosa |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psilocybin-assisted therapy may hold promise for treating anorexia nervosa in adolescents, requiring adaptations to existing treatment models. |
Abstract
There is growing evidence that psychedelics and associated treatment modalities may offer therapeutic benefits across a range of psychiatric conditions. Anorexia nervosa (AN), a serious and often treatment-resistant illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality, is one such condition for which psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) may hold promise. To date, research on PAT for AN has focused primarily on adults, despite the fact that AN frequently begins in adolescence, and early age of onset portends poorer prognosis, including more severe AN, more lifetime psychiatric comorbidity, and greater life difficulties. Given these risks, an exploration of the theoretical potential of PAT for adolescent populations is warranted. Important considerations include biological implications, developmental stage, and consent. Adaptations to the current models of psilocybin-assisted therapy in studies of adults are proposed, and emerging models that address the unique challenges of these patients are discussed.