Could Low-Dose Oral Ketamine Support People with Anorexia and Depression? with Professor Hubertus Himmerich

In this episode of the Full of Beans Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Hubertus Himmerich, Consultant Psychiatrist and Reader in Eating Disorders at King’s College London, and the principal investigator of the EDEN study.The EDEN study is the first study of its kind exploring whether low-dose oral ketamine, compared with placebo, could support people living with both anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder.Depression affects around 50% of people with anorexia, and when low mood, anxiety and hopelessness are present, it can make recovery feel incredibly difficult. Traditional antidepressants often don’t work well for people with anorexia, which is why researchers are exploring new approaches.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy is depression so common in anorexia nervosaWhy SSRIs often don’t work well in this populationThe science behind ketamine and how it affects brain plasticityWhy the EDEN study focuses on improving mood rather than weightHow depression can reduce hope and motivation in recoveryThe difference between medical ketamine treatment and recreational ketamine useHow the study has been shaped by people with lived experienceWhy new treatment approaches needed in the eating disorder fieldIf you're interested in taking part in the EDEN study, the team are currently recruiting participants! Please email [email protected] to find out more!Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans PodcastFollow Full of Beans on InstagramCheck out our websiteListen on YouTube⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, depression, ketamine use and mental health treatment.. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛