Research
Sarah-Catherine Rodan is a postdoctoral researcher focused on developing novel treatments for eating disorders. She completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in 2026, where she examined the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and psychedelic-assisted therapies for anorexia nervosa, with a particular focus on cannabidiol (CBD) and psilocybin. Her doctoral research also explored patterns of cannabis and psychedelic use among individuals with eating disorders, the effects of cannabinoid-based products on eating disorder symptoms and mental health, and the feasibility of emerging pharmacological approaches in this population.
Sarah is currently leading a clinical trial investigating psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa. Her work aims to expand treatment options for individuals with severe and enduring eating disorders, or for those who have not responded to existing treatments, by integrating advances in psychopharmacology with evidence-based psychological care.
Interest areas
This study explores the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as an adjunct to treatment for people with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).
This study explored the experience of prescription and non-prescription drug use in people with eating disorders. Findings indicate that the perceived health benefits of substances like psychedelics and cannabis often rating more favourably than conventional prescription medication.
This trial evaluates the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for individuals with treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa who have not responded to standard evidence-based interventions.
Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Use Among People With Eating Disorders
Rodan, S.C., Maguire, S., Meez, N., Greenstien, K., Zartarian, G., Mills, K.L., Suraev, A., Bedoya-Pérez, M.A. & McGregor, I.S.
JAMA Network Open.
8(7), e2522406.
Psychedelic use in individuals living with eating disorders or disordered eating: findings from the international MED–FED survey
Rodan, S.C., Meez, N., Lloyd-Hurwitz, S., Bedoya-Pérez, M.A., Suraev, A., Sommer, N., Greenstien, K., Maguire, S. & McGregor, I.S.
Journal of Eating Disorders.
13(1), p.152.
Pharmacotherapy, alternative and adjunctive therapies for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review
Rodan, S. C., Bryant, E., Le, A., Maloney, D., Touyz, S., McGregor, I. S., & Maguire, S.
Journal of Eating Disorders.
11(1), 112.
Investigating resting brain perfusion abnormalities and disease target-engagement by intranasal oxytocin in women with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder and healthy controls
Martins, D., Leslie, M., Rodan, S., Zelaya, F., Treasure, J., & Paloyelis, Y.
Translational Psychiatry.
10(1), 180.
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