Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Use Among People With Eating Disorders

Which prescription and nonprescription drugs are used by individuals with eating disorders (EDs), and how are they associated with ED symptoms?In this survey study that recruited 7648 respondents self-reporting various EDs, cannabis and psychedelics were among a small set of drugs rated positively for relief of ED symptoms. Prescribed psychotropics were rated positively for overall mental health, while alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco were rated as having the greatest adverse effects.The findings of this study suggest that few drugs have self-perceived benefits of treatment among individuals with EDs, while the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and psychedelics deserve further investigation.

Corresponding Author: Iain S. McGregor, PhD, Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Level 6, 94 Mallett St, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia (iain.mcgregor@sydney.edu.au).

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