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

Psilocybin therapies show promise for conditions like major depressive disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, little attention has been paid to intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that influence a patient's readiness for such interventions. This paper proposes that readiness assessment should include both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors to improve safety, patient care, and treatment outcomes. Although no reliable and valid instrument currently exists, the authors suggest three areas of focus—patient presentation, therapeutic alliance, and patient safety—to establish readiness and optimize and personalize psilocybin therapy.

Study at a glance

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.