Psychedelic Medicine

Association

Optimizing outcomes in psilocybin therapy: Considerations in participant evaluation and preparation

Excerpts from the publication

Recent studies have demonstrated the promise of psilocybin therapies in creating positive changes for those with poor mental health across multiple diagnostic categories, including major depressive disorder (MDD), end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While there may be a large population that is eligible to participate in psilocybin therapy based on psychiatric diagnosis and medical clearance, little attention has been given to intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that might influence patient’s readiness (i.e., eligibility and capacity) for psychedelic interventions. This paper proposes that readiness assessment includes both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in order to improve safety, patient care, and treatment outcomes. While at the present time a reliable and valid instrument has not been developed, we propose that three specific areas of focus – patient presentation, therapeutic alliance, and patient safety – may be used to establish a patient’s readiness for psilocybin therapy, thus increasing therapy optimization and personalization.

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The neural basis of psychedelic action

Ketamine, Esketamine, and Arketamine: Their Mechanisms of Action and Applications in the Treatment of Depression and Alleviation of Depressive Symptoms

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of anxiety and other psychological distress related to life-threatening illnesses: a randomized pilot study

Low doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) increase reward-related brain activity

Classic psychedelics, health behavior, and physical health

The Effects of MDMA-Assisted Therapy on Alcohol and Substance Use in a Phase 3 Trial for Treatment of Severe PTSD