Understanding experiences of psychedelic treatments for eating disorders: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Abstract
Background: Eating disorders (EDs) have complex presentations with high rates of comorbidities and low recovery rates. Current treatment options often lack sufficiency in improving ED symptoms. Psychedelic-assisted therapies represent a novel treatment approach for the treatment of EDs, with research documenting preliminary positive evidence. However, psychedelics have their own challenges and risks which need to be considered within an ED population to inform study design and future clinical application. The primary aim of this meta-synthesis was to integrate existing qualitative data on the experience of using psychedelics in ED treatment from the perspectives of both individuals with EDs and providers (e.g. clinicians, ceremony leaders), using meta-ethnography to generate new interpretative insights.
Methods: The methods followed the seven steps of a meta ethnographic approach. An electronic search of three databases (PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO) was conducted. Papers were included if they were qualitative studies exploring the use of typical or atypical psychedelics, from the perspective of either a provider or individual experiencing an ED.
Results: A total of eight studies were included. From the data we identified five meta-themes that together depict how psychedelic experiences may act as catalysts for transformation. Our interpretive narrative posits that core transformative processes (Mind-Body-Spirit, Emotional Processing), unfold within specific contextual…
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