Understanding experiences of psychedelic treatments for eating disorders: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
The meta-synthesis by Rebecca Morris and colleagues examined qualitative studies of psychedelic-assisted treatments for eating disorders and identified recurring themes across participants' experiences. The authors conclude that psychedelic-assisted treatments may help address several core features of eating disorders—not just symptoms around food and weight, but deeper issues involving identity, self-relationship, emotional avoidance, and disconnection. Participants often described the treatment as facilitating a process of reconnection, self-understanding, and psychological flexibility, although the evidence remains preliminary and larger, rigorous studies are still needed.
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 conditions (Navigating Challenges and Risks, Enabling Safe and Supportive Experiences), and lead to meaningful outcomes (Therapeutic Improvements). Meta- and sub-themes reflect ED-specific elements, highlighting that psychedelics may improve emotion processing and enhance perception of and connection with the body and the self, which is pertinent to ED recovery. Themes also indicate the increased risk for adverse side effects with low weight and other physical vulnerabilities associated with EDs.
Conclusions
The themes and interpretive narratives identified in this meta-synthesis suggest that to achieve therapeutic outcomes, ED-specific contextual conditions are required to facilitate internal processes during psychedelic therapy for EDs. This includes minimising the uncertainty that typifies EDs through exploration of expectations and autonomy in selection of setting elements (e.g. lighting, music, eye-mask) or collaboratively agreeing strategies for if anxiety spikes. Further, facilitators should require dual competency in psychedelic treatment and ED psychopathology and treatment.
Participants commonly experienced psychedelics as helping them move from a rigid, self-critical, eating-disorder-dominated identity toward greater self-compassion, connectedness, and openness to change
Morris, R., Gundogan, A., Lawrence, V. et al. Understanding experiences of psychedelic treatments for eating disorders: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. BMC Med (2026). Read Paper
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