Optimizing outcomes in psilocybin therapy: Considerations in participant evaluation and preparation.
Nadav Liam Modlin, Tammy M Miller, James J Rucker, Namik Kirlic, Molly Lennard-Jones, Danielle Schlosser, Scott T Aaronson
Journal of Affective Disorders April 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.077 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Optimizing psychedelics Treatment outcomes Psilocybin treatment Patient screening Therapeutic relationships Treatment optimization |
| Citations | 30 |
| Key points | Proposes that readiness assessment for psilocybin therapy should include intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, focusing on patient presentation, therapeutic alliance, and patient safety. |
Abstract
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.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The influence of therapists’ first-hand experience with psychedelics on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and therapist training | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 27
- Patient perspectives and experiences with psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression: a qualitative study Scientific Reports February 5, 2024
- Psychedelics for treatment resistant depression: are they game changers? Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy November 10, 2023
- Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring 'psychedelic preparedness'. Scientific Reports February 8, 2024
- Dose-response relationships of LSD-induced subjective experiences in humans. Neuropsychopharmacology October 1, 2023
- A rapid narrative review of the clinical evolution of psychedelic treatment in clinical trials. npj Mental Health Research July 2, 2024
and 22 more in the library
Cites 45
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Frontiers in Pharmacology January 17, 2018
and 40 more in the library