Panorexia V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study
IRAS ID
266759
Contact name
David Nutt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Eudract number
2019-004054-28
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 7 days
Research summary
Anorexia nervosa is the most fatal of all psychiatric conditions. With the current paucity of effective pharmacological and psychological treatments, and fewer than half of those diagnosed making a full recovery, there is a great need for new treatment avenues to be explored. The primary aim of this study is to assess the acceptability and efficacy of treating anorexia nervosa with psilocybin. The secondary aim of this study is to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the neuronal underpinnings of treatment with psilocybin in this patient group.
For this study, we will recruit patients who have been suffering from a DSM-V diagnosis of anorexia nervosa for 3 years or more, and who have found other forms of treatment ineffective. Over a period of 6 weeks, participants who are deemed eligible at screening will partake in 8 study visits, including three psilocybin dosing sessions with varying doses. The maximum dose of psilocybin a participant will receive in a single session is 25 mg. Across these 8 visits, there will also be 2 MRI scans, 5 EEG recordings and a range of psychological measures (questionnaires and interviews). There will be a follow-up period of 12 months following the final study visit.The research will take place at the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Imperial CRF and Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College, Hammersmith. The research is funded by founders of the Centre for Psychedelic Research.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0474
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion