Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is generating substantial clinical interest, yet despite growing economic scrutiny, a practical question has received surprisingly little attention: how do specific delivery decisions drive cost? Labor costs—typically the dominant cost component of psychedelic therapy delivery—depend on a tangle of interacting design choices: the number, length, and staffing of treatment sessions (including provider qualifications, group versus individual format, and medical backup requirements), and local hourly wage rates. Together, these factors can produce order-of-magnitude differences in per-patient cost that resist easy estimation and are rarely modeled explicitly, making rational planning difficult. As psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy moves from clinical trials and state-licensed programs toward anticipated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, each stage bringing distinct staffing, regulatory, and reimbursement conditions, the need for flexible cost modeling is clear. To make these trade-offs visible and tractable, we developed TripTally (https://danieldickison.github.io/pat-calculator/), an open-access web calculator that, unlike existing economic analyses of fixed scenarios, allows any researcher, clinician, or policymaker to estimate labor costs using staffing configurations and wage rates specific to their own context.
Purpose: Caloric restriction and excessive exercise create an energy imbalance with medical sequelae in restrictive eating disorders. We examined the effect of acute and chronic energy imbalance on admission illness severity and refeeding outcomes in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN. Methods: Secondary data analysis from the Study of Refeeding to Optimize Inpatient Gains, a multicenter randomized trial comparing higher- versus lower-calorie refeeding in 120 youth with AN or atypical AN hospitalized with medical instability. Vital signs were measured daily. Acute energy balance was calculated as caloric output (exercise recall plus estimated resting energy expenditure) subtracted from caloric input (dietary recall) before admission. Chronic energy imbalance variables included magnitude, rate, and duration of weight loss before admission. Regression analyses examined associations among energy balance, illness severity, and refeeding outcomes; dominance analyses examined the relative importance of energy balance. Results: Among 82 participants (91% female), admission mean (SD) age was 16.5 (2.5) years, % median body mass index was 85 (10) and acute energy balance was-898 (678) kilocalories. Those with more negative acute energy balance before admission required more days (-0.18, [95% CI,-0.35,-0.02] p = .03) and kilocalories to restore medical stability (-431.10, [95% CI,-857.06,-5.13] p = .047). Acute energy balance was a more important predictor than weight suppression in determining these outcomes.
A lack of diverse and representative participant samples in mental health intervention research perpetuates mental health disparities. This issue has become a salient concern in studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT), which is emerging as a promising mental health intervention. This systematic review evaluates the reporting, representation, and analysis of participant sociodemographic characteristics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PAT. A total of 21 RCTs of psilocybin- and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapies (N = 1034) are summarized. Participants' gender (100%) and race or ethnicity (76%) were frequently reported, with socioeconomic status (SES) sometimes (57%) reported using heterogeneous metrics. Sexual orientation (9.5%) and immigration status (4.8%) were rarely reported, and no studies reported gender identity. Compared to their representation in the US population and non-psychedelic clinical trials, Black/African-American participants (2.2%) and Hispanic/Latino participants (7.2%) were significantly underrepresented in PAT RCTs. MDMA trials enrolled more diverse participant samples than psilocybin trials. Analyses on treatment effects based on demographic variables were virtually nonexistent. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive recruitment strategies, along with more rigorous reporting, to improve the generalizability of PAT research.
Abstract Background Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may result in significant medical sequelae. Compared to youth with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), youth with ARFID tend to be younger and are more likely to be male. We aim to describe sex differences in clinical characteristics of youth hospitalized for medical complications of ARFID and compare their characteristics with youth hospitalized for anorexia nervosa. Methods This is a retrospective review of electronic medical records for youth with ARFID (N = 36; 13 male and 23 female) and AN (N = 355; 40 male and 315 female), including restricting and binge-eating/purging subtypes, aged 9–25 admitted to the inpatient UCSF Eating Disorders Program (2012–2020). Results A greater proportion of youth with ARFID were male compared to youth with AN (36.1% vs. 11.2%). Male youth with ARFID (mean age 15.5 ± 2.8) had lower heart rate nadir (49.2 vs. 57.6 beats per minute, p = .019) and lower total cholesterol (129.8 vs. 159.3 mg/dL, p = .008), but higher hemoglobin (13.9 vs. 13.0 g/dL, p = .015) and prescribed calories at discharge (3323 vs. 2817 kcal, p = .001) compared to females with ARFID. Males with AN, who on average had higher admission BMI than males with ARFID (17.3 vs. 15.5 kg/m2, p = .013), required more (3785) kcal on discharge to restore medical stability than males with ARFID (3323 kcal). Compared to all youth with AN, youth with ARFID had lower body mass index (BMI, 15.7 vs. 17.0 kg/m2, p = .001) and lower vitamin D (26.5 vs. 33.0 ng/mL, p = .003). Conclusions ARFID in males is associated with lower heart rate nadirs than in females with ARFID. Clinicians should be aware of unique medical complications in youth with ARFID compared to youth with AN.
Limited participant diversity in mental health intervention research perpetuates mental health disparities. This issue has become a particularly salient concern in studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT), which is emerging as a promising mental health intervention. This systematic review evaluates the reporting, representation, and analysis of participant sociodemographic characteristics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PAT. A total of 21 RCTs of psilocybin- and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapies (N = 1034) are summarized. Participants’ gender (100%) and race or ethnicity (76%) were frequently reported, with socioeconomic status (SES) sometimes (57%) reported using heterogeneous metrics. Sexual orientation (9.5%) and immigration status (4.8%) were rarely reported, and no studies reported gender identity. Compared to their representation in the US population and non-psychedelic clinical trials, Black/African-American participants (12.2%) and Hispanic/Latino participants (7.2%) were significantly underrepresented in PAT RCTs. MDMA trials enrolled more diverse participant samples than psilocybin trials. Analyses on treatment effects based on sociodemographic variables were virtually nonexistent. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive recruitment strategies, along with more rigorous reporting and analytic practices, to improve the generalizability of PAT research.
OBJECTIVE:The StRONG trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of higher calorie refeeding (HCR) in hospitalized adolescents and young adults with malnutrition secondary to restrictive eating disorders. Here we compare refeeding outcomes in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and examine the impact of caloric dose. METHOD:Patients were enrolled upon admission and randomized to meal-based HCR, beginning 2000 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal/day, or lower calorie refeeding (LCR), beginning 1400 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal every other day. Atypical AN was defined as %median BMI (mBMI) > 85. Independent t-tests compared groups; multivariable linear and logistic regressions examined caloric dose (kcal/kg body weight). RESULTS:Among n = 111, mean ± SD age was 16.5 ± 2.5 yrs; 43% had atypical AN. Compared to AN, atypical AN had slower heart rate restoration (8.7 ± 4.0 days vs. 6.5 ± 3.9 days, p = .008, Cohen's d = -.56), less weight gain (3.1 ± 5.9%mBMI vs. 5.4 ± 2.9%mBMI, p < .001, Cohen's d = .51) and greater hypomagnesemia (29% vs. 11%, p = .03, OR = 3.29). These suboptimal outcomes were predicted by insufficient caloric dose (32.4 ± 6.9 kcal/kg in atypical AN vs. 43.4 ± 9.8 kcal/kg in AN, p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.27). For every 10 kcal/kg increase, heart rate was restored 1.7 days (1.0, 2.5) faster (p < .001), weight gain was 1.6%mBMI (.8, 2.4) greater (p < .001), and hypomagnesemia odds were 70% (12, 128) lower (p = .02). DISCUSSION:Although HCR is more efficacious than LCR for refeeding in AN, it contributes to underfeeding in atypical AN by providing an insufficient caloric dose relative to the greater body weight in this diagnostic group. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE:The StRONG trial previously demonstrated the efficacy and safety of higher calorie refeeding in patients with malnutrition due to restrictive eating disorders. Here we show that higher calorie refeeding contributes to underfeeding in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa, including poor weight gain and longer time to restore medical stability. These findings indicate these patients need more calories to support nutritional rehabilitation in hospital.
Background: As the field of psychedelic therapy grows, it is vital to consider who can safely engage with psilocybin therapy. In most modern clinical trials of psilocybin therapy, individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder (BD) have been excluded from participation because of their genetic predisposition for developing BD. Review: Case studies and survey data shed light on the risks of psilocybin therapy among those with a family history of BD in the absence of data from modern clinical trials. We review existing evidence that could inform risk stratification for these individuals, including genetic proximity to the affected relative, BD type, age at onset in the relative, and participant age. Hypothesizing that the risk of developing BD may predict the risk of developing serious adverse events when engaging with psilocybin therapy, we propose a risk stratification tool to be utilized when determining the relative risks of psilocybin therapy to those with a family history of BD in the context of clinical trials. Conclusion: Balancing the need for effective treatments against the potential for serious adverse events in those undergoing psilocybin therapy with a family history of BD, we argue for caution in psychedelic clinical trials but not outright exclusion of these individuals. Our risk stratification tool allows for more nuanced inclusion and exclusion criteria.
PURPOSE:The present study describes the occurrence of eating disorder (ED)-related medical diagnoses in a publicly insured sample of youth with EDs. The study also compares ED medical diagnoses with other psychiatric disorders and identifies high-risk demographic groups. Improved screening practices are needed in public mental health systems where treatment is critical for youth with EDs. METHODS:Medicaid claims data were obtained from the state of California, including beneficiaries ages 7-18 who had at least one service episode between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. From this population we extracted demographic and claims data for those youth who received an ED diagnosis during the 3-year period as a primary or secondary diagnosis (n = 8,075). Random subsamples of youth with moderate/severe mental illness were drawn for comparison: primary or secondary diagnosis of mood/anxiety disorder (N = 8,000) or psychotic disorder (n = 8,000) were also extracted. Medical diagnoses were compared within youth with EDs (across diagnostic categories) and across psychiatric diagnoses (EDs, mood/anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders). Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for demographic characteristics. RESULTS:Three-quarters of youth with EDs received no diagnosis of an ED-related medical complication. Bradycardia was the most prevalent diagnosis suggestive of medical instability. Odds of medical diagnosis were greater for ED than other psychiatric disorders but varied with age and gender. Across all diagnoses, Latinx youth were less likely to receive ED-related diagnoses suggesting medical instability. DISCUSSION:Most publicly insured youth with EDs received no ED-related medical diagnosis, underscoring the structural barriers to receiving expert medical care.
Unlike psychopharmacologic interventions for other psychiatric conditions, few medications have emerged as helpful in improving eating disorder cognitions and evidence-based psychotherapies fail many patients. Novel treatments are urgently needed to address anorexia nervosa (AN), which is increasingly prevalent and difficult to treat. This article provides an overview of preliminary investigations into cannabidiol, psilocybin therapy, ketamine and the ketogenic diet, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation in individuals with AN. These pilot studies underscore the need for larger clinical trials that include more participant diversity in order to rapidly translate findings to real-world clinical practice.
INTRODUCTION:Although eating disorders (EDs) affect youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds, little is known about the treatment experiences of under-resourced youth with EDs. To address this gap, we examined patterns of outpatient and inpatient service utilization among publicly-insured youth with EDs in California and potential disparities for youth with additional marginalized identities. METHOD:Participants were identified from the full sample of California Medicaid/Medi-Cal beneficiaries aged 7-18 with ≥ 1 service episode between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. Claims data were extracted for youth with a full year of claims after the first known ED diagnosis (N = 3311) to analyze outpatient mental health, outpatient medical/physical, inpatient mental health, and inpatient medical/physical service use across ED diagnosis and demographic characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language). RESULTS:Outpatient individual and family therapy service utilization was low across ED diagnoses (4-7 individual therapy sessions and ≈5 family therapy sessions annually). Conversely, hospitalization rates were high, particularly among youth with anorexia nervosa (27.8%) and bulimia nervosa (30.0%). Youth with other specified feeding or ED had high medical service utilization, with more days of outpatient medical care and greater odds of medical hospitalization than youth with all other diagnoses. Latinx youth, Black youth, and boys tended to receive fewer services after accounting for diagnosis, with disparities particularly pronounced for Latinx youth. CONCLUSIONS:Publicly-insured youth with EDs in California experience high hospitalization rates but receive limited outpatient therapy. Additional research is needed to identify possible unmet needs and factors contributing to treatment disparities among these youth.
Abstract Background Refeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9–25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (< 3.0 mg/dL), hypokalemia (< 3.5 mEq/L), and hypomagnesemia (< 1.8 mg/dL). Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk. Results Participants included 86 (15.4%) males and 472 (84.6%) females, mean (SD) age 15.5 (2.8) years. Rates of refeeding hypophosphatemia (3.5%), hypokalemia (8.1%), and hypomagnesemia (11.6%) in males hospitalized with eating disorders were low, with no statistically significant differences from females. Older age was associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Lower percent median body mass index and greater weight suppression at admission were associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia. Conclusions Rates of electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were low in males hospitalized for eating disorders and rates did not significantly differ from females. Together with our finding that males have higher caloric requirements and longer hospital length of stay, the finding that electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were not greater in males than females supports future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of higher calorie and/or faster advancing refeeding protocols for males.
OBJECTIVE:To describe the clinical characteristics of male adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) and to compare their clinical characteristics with females with atypical AN and males with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHOD:A retrospective review of electronic medical records for patients with atypical AN and AN aged 9-25 admitted to the UCSF Eating Disorders Program from May 2012 to August 2020 was conducted. RESULTS:Among 21 males with atypical AN (mean age 15.1 ± 2.7, mean %mBMI 102.0 ± 11.8), medical complications evidenced by admission laboratory values included anemia (52.9%), vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (52.6%), and zinc deficiency (31.6%). Compared with females with atypical AN (n = 69), males with atypical AN had longer length of stay (11.4 vs 8.4 days, p = .004), higher prescribed kcal at discharge (4114 vs 3045 kcal, p < .001), lower heart rate nadir (40.0 vs 45.8, p = .038), higher aspartate transaminase (AST, 37.9 vs 26.2 U/L, p = .032), higher alanine transaminase (ALT, 30.6 vs 18.3 U/L, p = .005), and higher rates of anemia (52.9% vs 19.4%, p = .005), with no differences in vitamin D, zinc, and vital signs. Compared with males with AN (n = 40), males with atypical AN had no significant differences in vital signs or laboratory assessments during the hospitalization. DISCUSSION:Atypical AN in males leads to significant medical comorbidity, and males with atypical AN require longer hospital stays compared to females with atypical AN. Rates of abnormal vital signs and abnormal serum laboratory values during hospital admissions do not differ in males with atypical AN compared to AN. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE:Adolescent and young adult males with atypical anorexia nervosa experience significant medical complications. Males with atypical anorexia nervosa had longer hospitalizations and higher prescribed nutrition at discharge than females. Medical complications of atypical anorexia nervosa in male adolescents and young adults were generally equal to those of male adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa. Clinicians should be aware of unique medical complications of males with atypical anorexia nervosa.
Clinical trials using psilocybin therapy to treat anorexia nervosa (AN) are currently underway. The safety and tolerability of psilocybin is of utmost importance in individuals with AN who may present unique medical vulnerabilities. The purpose of this review is to describe how the common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin may impact medical complications experienced by individuals with AN in clinical trials of psilocybin therapy. The physiologic underpinnings of common adverse effects following psilocybin administration are described, including tachycardia, hypertension, electrocardiogram changes, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. These anticipated physiologic changes are described in relation to the common medical correlates seen in individuals with AN. Risk mitigation strategies for each adverse effect are proposed. Early evidence suggests that psilocybin therapy is well-tolerated in individuals with AN. Understanding the unique medical complications of AN, and how they may be impacted by common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin administration, leads to tailored risk mitigation strategies to enhance safety and tolerability of this novel intervention.
Background Clinical trials using psilocybin therapy to treat anorexia nervosa (AN) are currently underway. The safety and tolerability of psilocybin is of utmost importance in individuals with AN who may present unique medical vulnerabilities. The purpose of this review is to describe how the common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin may impact medical complications experienced by individuals with AN in clinical trials of psilocybin therapy. Main body The physiologic underpinnings of common adverse effects following psilocybin administration are described, including tachycardia, hypertension, electrocardiogram changes, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. These anticipated physiologic changes are described in relation to the common medical correlates seen in individuals with AN. Risk mitigation strategies for each adverse effect are proposed. Conclusion Early evidence suggests that psilocybin therapy is well-tolerated in individuals with AN. Understanding the unique medical complications of AN, and how they may be impacted by common physiologic adverse effects of psilocybin administration, leads to tailored risk mitigation strategies to enhance safety and tolerability of this novel intervention.
Presence of a comorbid psychiatric disorder portends negative long-term outcomes for patients with eating disorders. This is of utmost concern in sexual minority adolescents and young adults (SM AYA), a population which already has higher rates of mental health conditions and weight control behaviors compared to heterosexual peers. As SM AYA are more likely to have a history of suicide attempt and experience more suicidal thoughts and behaviors as compared to heterosexual peers, SM AYA with eating disorders may be especially vulnerable to mental health comorbidities and unfavorable long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare psychiatric comorbidities and suicidality of sexual minority adolescents and young adults to heterosexual peers hospitalized for eating disorders. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 601 adolescents and young adults, aged 9 to 25 years, admitted to a large inpatient eating disorders program for medical stabilization between May 2012 and August 2020. Data was collected as a part of a larger eating disorder medical registry. Sexual orientation data was self-reported as part of the physicians' history and physical at time of hospital admission. SM AYA self-defined as "lesbian", "gay", "bisexual", "queer", "unsure/questioning", "pansexual", or "asexual". Psychiatric diagnoses for participants included self-reported pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric diagnoses made during hospitalization by psychologists. Fisher's exact, Chi square or t-tests were used to examine potential differences in psychiatric co-morbidities between groups. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between sexual orientation and psychiatric co-morbidities. Of the 463 participants, 99 (21%) identified as a sexual minority and 364 (79%) identified as heterosexual. 388 were assigned female at birth and 75 were assigned male at birth. The mean age of participants was 15.6 years (2.7). SM AYA were more to have a psychiatric co-morbidity (69% versus 48%, p<0.001; RR= 1.46, 95% CI [1.09, 1.93], p=0.009) and more likely to be taking psychiatric medication (RR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.12, 2.21], p=0.012). SM AYA were more likely to have a diagnosis of depression (RR=1.59, 95% CI [1.10, 2.29], p=0.014), anxiety (RR=1.57, 95% CI [1.08, 2.29], p=0.019), and PTSD (RR=4.88, 95% CI [1.94, 12.26], p=0.001) compared to heterosexual peers when adjusted for age, sex, and eating disorder diagnosis. SM AYA were more likely to have a history of self-injurious behavior or suicidality compared to heterosexual peers (RR=1.94, 95% CI [1.29, 2.92], p=0.001). SM AYA hospitalized for medical complications of eating disorders are far more likely to have an additional mental health disorder and a history of self-harm and/or suicidality compared to heterosexual peers, which may portend a less favorable long-term prognosis. This supports the need for a psychologic assessment and ongoing mental health support in this population requiring medical stabilization.
Background Sexual minority adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of eating disorders compared to heterosexual peers. However, little is known about the clinical and psychiatric presentation of this population requiring inpatient medical stabilization. Given the increased risk for eating disorder behaviors in sexual minority individuals amidst increased rates of medical hospitalizations secondary to eating disorders, it is important to understand presenting characteristics of this population. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the clinical characteristics of sexual minority adolescents and young adults with eating disorders admitted for medical instability and (2) compare psychiatric co-morbidities and suicidality of sexual minority adolescents and young adults to heterosexual peers. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of 601 patients admitted to a large inpatient eating disorders medical stabilization unit between 2012 and 2020. Data collected included demographics, medical data including vital signs, and psychiatric characteristics. Chi square or t-tests were used to examine potential differences in clinical characteristics and psychiatric co-morbidities between groups. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between sexual orientation and psychiatric co-morbidities. Results Over one fifth (21.1%, n = 103) of our inpatient sample identified as a sexual minority individual. The average age of participants was 15.6 years (2.7). Sexual minority adolescents and young adults had higher percent median body mass index compared to heterosexual peers and yet equally severe vital sign instability on admission. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults were almost 1.5 times more likely to have a psychiatric comorbidity with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults were approximately two times more likely to have a history of self-injurious behaviors and/or suicidality. Conclusions Sexual minority adolescents and young adults with eating disorders have equally severe vital sign instability despite higher percent median body mass index on admission for medical stabilization. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of eating disorders are far more likely to have an additional mental health disorder and a history of self-harm and/or suicidality, which may portend a less favorable long-term prognosis.
OBJECTIVE To determine sex differences in cholesterol and triglyceride levels among adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of eating disorders. METHODS A retrospective electronic medical record review of patients aged 9-25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical stabilization, between 2012 and 2020, was conducted. Non-fasting total cholesterol and triglycerides were collected; however, LDL and HDL levels were not available. RESULTS Among 83 males and 441 females, mean ± SD age was 15.5 ± 2.8 years, 64.1% had anorexia nervosa, and admission percent median body mass index was 87.3 ± 13.9. The proportion of males and females with high total cholesterol (13.3% vs. 18.1%, Cramer's V = 0.05, p = .28) and high triglyceride levels (9.6% vs. 8.1%, Cramer's V = 0.02, p = .63) did not differ. Mean total cholesterol levels were higher in females compared to males (F 169.6 ± 41.1 mg/dL vs. M 154.5 ± 45.1 mg/dL, Cohen's d = 0.36, p = .003), although a majority were within the normal range. In adjusted linear regression models, male (compared to female) sex (B = -14.40, 95% CI -24.54, -4.27) and higher percent median body mass index (B = -0.33, 95% CI -0.60, -0.06) were associated with lower total cholesterol levels in adjusted models (R2 = 0.04). DISCUSSION Building on prior work showing equally severe complications of eating disorders in males compared to females, we did not find sex differences in those presenting with high total cholesterol or triglycerides. Future research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and role of dyslipidemia in acute malnutrition, and the impact of nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE We found that the proportion of male and female adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of an eating disorder with high total cholesterol did not significantly differ. Although average total cholesterol levels were higher in female compared to male patients with eating disorders, a majority of these levels remained within the normal range. Patients with more severe malnutrition had a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol levels. Clinicians should consider monitoring cholesterol levels in young people hospitalized for restrictive eating disorders.
Psilocybin therapy shows promise as a powerful treatment for many mental health conditions with potent, short-acting psychedelic effects and benign physiological effects. Psilocybin’s mechanisms of action, through serotonergic and anatomical pathways also implicated in anorexia nervosa, make it a promising treatment approach. Despite a surge in psychedelic therapy clinical trials, community provider involvement in these trials has been scantly reported and will provide context for successful adoption of this emerging therapy in real-world clinical settings.