Psychedelics May Help Individuals with Eating Diso
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Negative body image usually causes anxiety and depression, and in most people, it can also cause eating disorders and body dysmorphia to develop. Figures from the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders show that about 9% of the global population suffers from eating disorders. These conditions mainly affect women, many of whom have shared how psychedelics have helped them manage body dysmorphia, dissatisfaction and the stress, depression and anxiety that accompanies this cycle.
Body dysmorphia is a psychological disorder that causes an individual to imagine imperfections or overvalue minute imperfections by being excessively concerned with their bodies. While large-scale studies on this are scant, the anecdotal evidence of these changes is still compelling.
Many women have explained how using psychedelic substances helped them improve their self-image and develop new relationships with food. Eating disorders are challenging to treat in comparison to other mental health conditions. Researchers and experts are considering the use of psychedelic therapy as an alternative to traditional treatments, because it may help speed up the therapeutic process.
Thus far, research has found that psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca and ketamine may have the potential to treat eating disorders. Researchers have found that psilocybin, which is the active compound found in magic mushrooms, targets the serotonin imbalance in the brain and shifts the individual away from treatments focused on symptoms, which could bolster changes in self-compassion and self-worth. Studies have also found that psilocybin may help treat obsessive and compulsive actions and thoughts, which are common in eating disorders.
A 2017 study also found that ayahuasca could be used to decrease symptoms of eating disorders by shifting the body’s perceptions. Ayahuasca is an herbal drink containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine), which is a potent psychedelic that’s commonly used in religious or shamanic ceremonies.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug that can alter an individual’s consciousness for a certain amount of time. Research has found that this drug helps reorganize an individual’s brain into a more supportive system for good living. The drug can be blown into an individual’s body cavity, consumed orally or administered through IV.
In addition to this, studies have found that MDMA boosts levels of serotonin as well as dopamine, oxytocin and other mediators, resulting in compassion, trust and empathy.
The safe and intentional use of psychedelic substances can allow individuals, in particular women, to reconnect with their bodies and nurture better relationships with themselves. By allowing them to connect with their inherent divinity, dignity and worth, healing can be actualized.
Firms such as Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN) are conducting their own R&D work aimed at commercializing a number of medicinal formulations derived from psychedelics, such as psilocybin. Over the coming years, the world is likely to learn a lot more about the medicinal possibilities that these substances carry, including exactly how body image issues can be resolved by the use of these compounds.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN
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