In a small open-label pilot study, five adults with binge-eating disorder received a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. No serious adverse events occurred. All participants reported fewer binge-eating episodes through the 14-week follow-up, along with improvements in depression, anxiety, and psychological flexibility. Three participants also lost weight and reduced waist circumference. Because the study was unblinded and had only five participants, the results cannot confirm cause and effect. Brain scans showed hints of increased activity in regions linked to cognitive control and self-awareness when viewing processed versus unprocessed food images. These findings point toward larger, controlled trials.
A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, was tested in five adults with binge-eating disorder. The treatment was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. All participants reported reduced binge eating frequency that lasted through 14 weeks. Improvements also occurred in depression, anxiety, and psychological inflexibility. Three participants lost weight and reduced waist circumference. Brain scans showed increased activity in regions linked to cognitive control and self-awareness when viewing processed versus unprocessed food cues. Because the study was small and open-label, causality cannot be determined, but the results support larger controlled trials.