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On-Demand

High Hopes or Hard Truths? Psychedelics and Cannabis in Eating Disorder Treatment

Molly Perlman, MD, MPH, CEDS, FAPA
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Information

Recorded

  • -

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain how psychedelics and cannabis affect the brain.

  • Identify two types of psychedelics with preliminary evidence for the treatment of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Apply at least two treatment techniques to address cannabis use disorder among clients with eating disorders.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this presentation is for participants to increase understanding of the use of psychedelics and cannabis in eating disorder treatment.

Description

With cannabis legalization expanding across states and interest in psychedelics growing, eating disorder providers are increasingly fielding questions—and confronting use—among their clients. This presentation will explore the latest science, policies, and clinical implications of cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, MDMA, and ketamine in the context of eating disorder treatment and co-occurring mental health conditions. While preliminary research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders is generating cautious optimism, evidence remains limited and regulatory approval is still evolving. In contrast, the risks of cannabis for individuals with mental illness are well-established, including its potential to exacerbate anxiety, depression, suicidality, and psychosis, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Attendees will gain an understanding of the neurobiology of these substances, their impact on brain function and behavior, and why “set and setting” matter for psychedelics but not for cannabis. Special attention will be given to integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring cannabis use disorder and eating disorders. By the end of this presentation, participants will be equipped to engage in informed, balanced conversations with clients about cannabis and psychedelics, evaluate potential benefits and harms, and support eating disorder recovery with clear, science-driven guidance.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nutritionist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Molly Perlman, MD, MPH, CEDS, FAPA
Dr. Molly Perlman is Chief Medical Officer for Monte Nido, overseeing psychiatric and medical care for all programs. She is double board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, graduated from Duke University and the University of Miami, and has trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. During residency in psychiatry, Dr. Perlman served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Laughlin Fellowship, which is bestowed annually on 12 elite residents for outstanding leadership and significant achievements in psychiatry. Dr. Perlman is on the Board of Directors of the Eating Disorders Coalition, served as Vice President of the Board from 2018 through 2022, and advocates on Capitol Hill regularly for increasing eating disorder education and access to treatment. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society. Dr. Perlman serves as Assistant Professor at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Coalition Representing Eating Disorder Care (REDC), co-chair of the REDC Standards Committee, and is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) Credentialing Committee. Additionally, she oversees MN’s IRB-approved research study on clinical outcomes as Co-Principal Investigator and has co-authored several papers in peer-reviewed research journals on PTSD and eating disorders.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Monte Nido