Eating Disorders and ketamine research
Where research on ketamine and related agents sits in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
This page has been written and edited by the publisher. It has not been reviewed by a licensed clinician.
If you need help right now
- United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.
- Eating disorders: National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline — 1-866-662-1235, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. ET.
- Outside the US: Contact your local emergency number, or find a helpline via findahelpline.com.
- If you are in immediate danger, go to your nearest emergency department.
This page answers one question: what does published research currently say about ketamine and eating disorders, and where does that evidence stop? It is a research overview, not treatment guidance.
Overview
Eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions with significant medical risk. Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates in psychiatry. Effective care almost always requires a coordinated medical, nutritional, and psychiatric team.
Conventional treatment
Evidence-based care includes specialized psychotherapy (CBT-E, FBT for adolescents, MANTRA), medical and nutritional rehabilitation, and treatment of co-occurring depression or anxiety. Hospitalization is sometimes necessary.
Where ketamine fits
Small studies have explored ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in eating disorder populations and for binge eating disorder, but evidence is preliminary. Medical fragility — electrolyte abnormalities, cardiac risk — makes safety screening especially important.
What current evidence suggests
Published research is largely case series and small open-label studies. No high-quality randomized trials currently support ketamine as a treatment for eating disorders per se.
Frequently asked questions
Can ketamine treat anorexia directly?+
There is no good evidence that ketamine treats the eating disorder itself. It is sometimes considered for co-occurring TRD or suicidality with appropriate safeguards.
What's first-line?+
Specialized eating disorder care — typically FBT for adolescents and CBT-E for adults — combined with medical and nutritional support.
Publisher and editor of Ketalux, based in Chicago, Illinois. Ira is a ketamine therapy patient, not a clinician. This is editorial review, not medical review: Ira is not a licensed clinician and does not provide diagnosis or medical care. Ketalux does not accept compensation from providers in exchange for favorable editorial coverage, evidence ratings, recommendations, patient referrals, or organic provider ranking. Read the full publisher disclosure →
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.