What screening questions are used for psychedelic therapy?

Screening typically covers personal and family psychiatric history, current medications, cardiovascular health, history of psychosis or mania, substance use, trauma history, and current life stressors. This helps identify contraindications and tailor the therapeutic approach.

Who is psychedelic therapy suitable for?

Psychedelic therapy may be appropriate for adults with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, addiction, or end-of-life anxiety who have no personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar I disorder and are not on contraindicated medications such as lithium or SSRIs.

What are the main contraindications for psilocybin therapy?

Key contraindications include a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, current lithium use, active mania, severe cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, and certain serotonergic medications. A psychiatrist must review all medications before a session.

How is medical screening done for psychedelic therapy?

Medical screening involves a full psychiatric assessment, medical history review, blood pressure and cardiac evaluation, and a medication review. Some programmes also require a psychological assessment tool such as the PHQ-9 or PCL-5 to establish a baseline.

📋 Screening Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation for psychedelic therapy readiness

⚠️ Important Notice

This screening tool is for educational and self-assessment purposes only. It does not replace professional medical evaluation. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before considering psychedelic therapy. If you have mental health concerns, please seek professional help.

📊 Assessment Progress

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🏥 Medical History

Do you have any history of cardiovascular conditions (heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias)?

Contraindication

Yes, I have cardiovascular conditions

I had issues in the past but they are resolved

No cardiovascular issues

Do you have epilepsy or a history of seizures?

Contraindication

Yes, I have epilepsy or seizures

I have epilepsy but it's well controlled

No history of seizures

Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Contraindication

Yes

Planning to become pregnant soon

No / Not applicable

Do you have any liver or kidney conditions?

Caution

Yes, severe or untreated conditions

Mild or well-managed conditions

No liver or kidney issues

🧠 Mental Health History

Do you have a personal or family history of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I with psychotic features)?

Contraindication

Yes, I have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder

Yes, close family members (parent, sibling)

Distant relatives only

No history of psychotic disorders

Have you experienced suicidal thoughts or self-harm in the past 3 months?

Critical

Yes, currently having suicidal thoughts

Yes, within the past 3 months

In the past, but not recently

No history of suicidal thoughts

Do you currently experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD symptoms?

Caution

Yes, severe and unmanaged symptoms

Moderate symptoms, receiving treatment

Mild or well-managed

No anxiety or PTSD symptoms

Are you currently experiencing depression?

Assessment

Yes, severe depression

Moderate depression, seeking help

Mild or situational

No depression symptoms

💊 Current Medications

Are you currently taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or other antidepressants?

Interaction Risk

Yes, currently taking antidepressants

Currently tapering off under medical supervision

Stopped less than 6 weeks ago

Not taking antidepressants

Are you taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)?

Dangerous

Yes, currently taking MAOIs

Stopped within last 2 weeks

Not taking MAOIs

Are you taking lithium or other mood stabilizers?

Contraindication

Yes, taking lithium

Taking other mood stabilizers (not lithium)

Not taking mood stabilizers

Are you taking any other prescription medications? Please list:

Review

📜 Substance History

Do you have a history of substance use disorder or addiction?

Assessment

Yes, currently struggling with addiction

In recovery (less than 2 years)

Long-term recovery (2+ years)

No history of addiction

Have you had previous psychedelic experiences?

Information

Yes, multiple positive experiences

Yes, with some challenging experiences

Limited experience

No previous psychedelic experience

Have you ever experienced HPPD (persistent visual disturbances after psychedelic use)?

Caution

Yes, I have ongoing HPPD symptoms

Had temporary symptoms in the past

No HPPD symptoms

✨ Psychological Readiness

What is your primary intention for psychedelic therapy?

Intention

Personal healing and growth

Treatment-resistant depression

Trauma processing

Spiritual exploration

Escape from problems

Are you willing to work with difficult emotions that may arise?

Readiness

Yes, I understand this is part of the process

Nervous but willing

I would prefer to avoid difficult emotions

How is your current life stability (housing, relationships, work)?

Assessment

Very stable in most areas

Mostly stable with some challenges

Currently facing significant instability

In crisis mode

Have you researched what to expect from a psychedelic experience?

Preparation

Yes, extensive research

Some research, still learning

Minimal research

No research yet

🤝 Support System

Do you have trusted people who can support you during integration?

Support

Yes, strong support network

A few trusted people

Limited support network

No support network

Do you have access to a therapist or mental health professional?

Professional Support

Yes, currently in regular therapy

Have access if needed

Currently looking for one

No access to therapy

Can you take time off work/responsibilities for preparation and integration?

Logistics

Yes, flexible schedule

Can arrange some time off

Limited time off available

Cannot take time off

📊 Assessment Results

Green Flags

Yellow Flags

Red Flags