A New Frontier: Intravenous Psychedelics for Treating Binge Eating Disorder
Have you ever found yourself eating large amounts of food, feeling out of control, and then overwhelmed with shame? For millions of people worldwide, this isn't just an occasional overindulgence—it's a serious mental health condition called binge eating disorder. Despite being the second most common eating disorder, binge eating often remains hidden in the shadows, with many sufferers struggling silently for years. Traditional treatments help some people, but many continue to battle this condition despite their best efforts. Now, an innovative approach is on the horizon: the world's first intravenous psychedelic trial for binge eating disorder. This groundbreaking research could open new doors for those who haven't found relief through conventional methods.
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) affects people of all genders, ages, and body types. It's characterized by recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period while feeling a loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, these episodes aren't followed by purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise. "Many people don't realize that binge eating disorder is actually more common than anorexia and bulimia combined," explains Dr. Maria Sanchez, a psychologist specializing in eating disorders. "Yet it receives far less attention and research funding. "The physical and emotional toll of BED can be devastating. Physically, it may lead to weight fluctuations, digestive problems, and increased risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Emotionally, sufferers often experience intense shame, guilt, and self-loathing. Many describe feeling trapped in a cycle they can't escape despite their best intentions. Lisa, a 34-year-old teacher who has struggled with BED for over a decade, describes her experience: "I'd promise myself every morning that today would be different. By evening, I'd find myself eating everything in sight, feeling completely disconnected from my body. Afterward, the shame was so overwhelming I could barely function. "Current treatments typically involve a combination of psychotherapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medications like antidepressants. While these approaches help many people, they don't work for everyone. Studies suggest that 30-50% of patients continue to struggle with binge eating despite receiving standard treatments. This treatment gap has led researchers to explore new approaches—including the potential of psychedelic compounds to break the cycle of disordered eating.
The Innovation of IV Psychedelic Therapy
In April 2025, Swinburne University of Technology announced a landmark clinical trial research agreement with Tryptamine Therapeutics. This collaboration will launch the world's first study using intravenous psilocin—the active component of psilocybin mushrooms—to treat binge eating disorder. What makes this approach revolutionary isn't just the use of psychedelics, but the method of administration. Traditional psychedelic research has relied on oral capsules containing psilocybin, which the body then converts to psilocin. This new approach delivers psilocin directly into the bloodstream through an IV infusion. "The combination of psilocin with intravenous administration presents a unique and exciting opportunity," says Professor Susan Rossell, the research lead at Swinburne. "Psychedelics have been shown to provide long-term meaningful benefits to people living with a range of different mental health conditions. "But why use an IV instead of the traditional oral approach? Jason Carroll, CEO of Tryptamine Therapeutics, explains the advantages: "Our innovation allows for more precise control over the onset and duration of the psychedelic experience and time in the potential therapeutic zone. As well, we have the ability to reverse treatment quickly if required. This opens up new possibilities for tailored and safer treatment to the individual needs of the patient. "This precision addresses several limitations of oral administration. When taking psilocybin orally, the onset of effects can be unpredictable, varying from 30 minutes to two hours depending on factors like metabolism and stomach contents. The intensity and duration can also fluctuate widely between individuals. IV administration, by contrast, provides almost immediate effects with much more consistent dosing. This allows therapists to work with patients at the peak of the experience, potentially maximizing therapeutic benefits. Perhaps most importantly, if a patient becomes overwhelmed or uncomfortable, the effects can be reduced quickly—a significant safety advantage.
The Swinburne University Trial
The upcoming trial will combine IV-administered psilocin with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—a specialized form of talk therapy designed to help participants prepare for, navigate, and integrate their psychedelic experiences. Before receiving the medication, participants will attend preparation sessions with trained therapists. These sessions help build trust, set intentions, and develop skills for navigating challenging emotions that might arise during the psychedelic experience. During the actual treatment session, participants will receive psilocin through an IV infusion in a comfortable, supportive environment. Trained therapists will remain present throughout the experience, providing guidance and support as needed. The session typically lasts several hours, during which participants may experience profound shifts in perception, emotion, and thought patterns. Perhaps most crucial are the integration sessions that follow. These help participants make sense of their experiences and translate insights into lasting behavioral changes. Without proper integration, even powerful psychedelic experiences may not lead to sustained improvement. Dr. James Wilson, a psychiatrist experienced in psychedelic research (though not involved in this specific trial), explains: "The psychedelic experience can create a window of psychological flexibility—a period when entrenched patterns become more malleable. Integration therapy helps patients use that window effectively before old patterns reassert themselves."
Potential Benefits for Eating Disorder Treatment
Why might psychedelics be particularly helpful for binge eating disorder? Research suggests several mechanisms that could address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. First, psychedelics appear to increase neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt. This could help rewire the rigid thought patterns and behaviors that characterize eating disorders. Many people with BED describe feeling "stuck" in cycles of restriction, binging, and shame. Increased neuroplasticity might help them develop new, healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Second, psychedelics often help people access and process difficult emotions. Many eating disorder specialists believe that binge eating serves as a coping mechanism for emotional distress—a way to numb or avoid painful feelings. By helping people face these emotions directly, psychedelic therapy might reduce the need for food as an emotional regulator. Third, psychedelic experiences frequently foster greater self-compassion. The intense shame that typically follows binge episodes often perpetuates the cycle, leading to more binging as a way to cope with negative feelings about oneself. Breaking this shame cycle could be transformative. Michael, a participant in a previous (oral) psilocybin trial for eating disorders, shared his experience: "During my session, I saw how harshly I'd been judging myself for years. I felt this profound compassion for myself that I'd never experienced before. That shift in perspective has stayed with me, making it easier to respond to urges with curiosity rather than judgment. "Professor Rossell hopes this research will catalyze greater investment in treating binge eating disorder: "Binge eating disorder is a debilitating disease that seriously impacts too many Australians lives. I'm thrilled to be part of an internationally-leading team committed to making real change with innovative solutions."
Considerations and Access
While the potential of IV psychedelic therapy is exciting, important questions remain about who might benefit and how accessible such treatments could become. The current trial will have specific eligibility criteria to ensure participant safety. People with certain psychiatric conditions (particularly psychosis or bipolar disorder) or cardiovascular issues may not be suitable candidates. A thorough screening process will help identify those most likely to benefit while minimizing risks. As for broader access, psychedelic therapy remains in the research phase for eating disorders. Even if trials show promising results, regulatory approval and healthcare integration will take time. However, the field is moving quickly, with several psychedelic therapies for other conditions already in advanced clinical trials. Cost considerations will also affect accessibility. Current psychedelic therapy models are resource-intensive, requiring specialized training, extended session times, and careful monitoring. However, if the treatment proves effective at producing lasting results, it could ultimately be more cost-effective than ongoing conventional treatments that manage symptoms without addressing root causes. For those currently struggling with binge eating disorder, conventional treatments remain the standard of care. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable community and understanding.
A Path Forward
The Swinburne University trial represents a significant step forward in eating disorder treatment—combining innovative medication delivery with specialized therapy to address a condition that has long been underserved by research and treatment options. For people like Lisa, who have tried multiple approaches without finding lasting relief, such innovations offer renewed hope. "Hearing about this research makes me feel seen in a way I haven't before," she says. "The idea that someone is taking this condition seriously enough to develop new treatments is powerful in itself. "While we await results from this groundbreaking trial, its very existence highlights a shifting perspective on both eating disorders and psychedelic medicine. Binge eating disorder is finally receiving the serious scientific attention it deserves, while psychedelic compounds are being recognized for their potential to address conditions that haven't responded adequately to conventional treatments. If you're struggling with binge eating disorder, remember that help is available. Speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options, or contact organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association for support and resources. And perhaps most importantly, know that recovery is possible—and that innovative approaches continue to expand the pathways to healing.
Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.
References
Swinburne University of Technology. (2025, April). World-first intravenous psychedelic trial to treat binge eating to launch. https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2025/04/world-first-intravenous-psychedelic-trial-to-treat-binge-eating-to-launch/
National Eating Disorders Association. (2024). Binge eating disorder. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed
Davis, H., & Attia, E. (2023). Recent advances in pharmacotherapy for eating disorders. Focus, 21(2), 132-140. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20220055
Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2023). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: Past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(11), 2105-2113. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.84