Elena Koning, Riccardo Miceli McMillan, Aaron Keshen, Phillipa Hay, Anthony Vincent Fernandez, Jack Reynolds, Stephen Touyz
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging intervention in psychiatry, for which there is preliminary evidence for effectiveness in eating disorders (EDs). The subjective psychedelic experience is considered an important driver of positive outcomes following PAT; however, conventional study design approaches often overlook many of the nuances inherent to the experience. Consequently, considerable information is lost between the first-person account and its scientific interpretation and documentation. Phenomenology-a philosophical and empirical approach to studying lived experience-offers tools to assess and understand the experiential mechanisms of PAT. This commentary advances the case for a phenomenological approach to PAT research in EDs, focusing on key domains of experience that underlie both ED psychopathology and psychedelic experiences, including embodiment, intersubjectivity, affectivity, temporality, spatiality and selfhood. We define and outline these phenomenological domains of EDs and psychedelic experiences and critically examine current measurement approaches. Following, we provide specific research recommendations, including phenomenologically grounded qualitative research and microphenomenology (i.e., the assessment of short-lived, pre-conscious experiences), to more fully capture psychedelic experiences and determine their significance for ED outcomes. The application of phenomenology to the PAT study design may contribute to a better understanding of how individuals experience PAT and generate testable hypotheses to advance psychedelic interventions.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Eating Disorders is the first open access, peer-reviewed journal publishing leading research in the science and clinical practice of eating disorders. It disseminates research that provides answers to the important issues and key challenges in the field of eating disorders and to facilitate translation of evidence into practice.
The journal publishes research on all aspects of eating disorders namely their epidemiology, nature, determinants, neurobiology, prevention, treatment and outcomes. The scope includes, but is not limited to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other eating disorders. Related areas such as important co-morbidities, obesity, body image, appetite, food and eating are also included. Articles about research methodology and assessment are welcomed where they advance the field of eating disorders.