In 2022, Christina, a 34-year-old Londoner, struggled for six years with anorexia nervosa after failed behavioral therapy and months of inpatient care. She said the illness stole joy, damaged relationships and threatened her job and home.

She enrolled in a psilocybin trial involving 21 women with an average illness duration of 11 years. The protocol gave 1 mg followed by two 25-mg doses two weeks apart, plus intensive talk therapy. Adverse events were rare, with only one participant withdrawing and another attempting suicide twice, both unrelated.

The study showed rapid symptom reduction, with half achieving remission scores comparable to non-diagnosed individuals after three months, and motivation lasting a year. 2026 may be a turning point, as the FDA could approve psilocybin for depression or eating disorders within five years, predicts Robin Carhart-Harris.

Experts like Jennifer Danby call the findings profound, while Claire Finkelstein warns the data are not universal and more research is needed. Katharine, a 41-year-old with 15 years of severe anorexia, says the therapy "cracked me open" and no longer defines herself as anorexic. David Hellerstein finds the results modestly encouraging despite the lack of a control group.