[Opgelost] Who is not eligible for psychedelic sessions under your protocols?

1. Psychiatric Contraindications

These are typically "absolute" exclusions because psychedelics can potentially trigger or worsen certain conditions:

1. Personal or Family History of Psychosis: This includes Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder.

2. Bipolar I Disorder: There is a significant risk of triggering a manic episode.

3. Active Suicidal Crisis: While some trials study depression, individuals with immediate, high-risk suicidal plans are often excluded until they are stabilized.

4. Severe Personality Disorders: Specifically Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is sometimes an exclusion criterion in trials, though this is a subject of ongoing debate and research.

    

2. Physical & Medical Contraindications

Psychedelics can place temporary stress on the body (specifically the heart):

1. Cardiovascular Issues: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

2. Seizure Disorders: Epilepsy or a history of seizures can be a major disqualifier.

3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to the lack of safety data on fetal development and infant health.

4. Severe Liver or Kidney Disease: These organs are responsible for processing the substances; impairment can lead to dangerous levels in the bloodstream.

3. Medication Interactions

The "Washout" period is a critical part of most protocols. You are generally ineligible if you cannot safely taper off certain medications, such as:

1. SSRIs/SNRIs & MAOIs: These can either dull the effects of the psychedelic or, in rare cases (especially with MDMA), contribute to Serotonin Syndrome, which is life-threatening.

2. Lithium: There is specific evidence suggesting that mixing Lithium with psychedelics can cause seizures.

3. Antipsychotics: These effectively act as "trip killers" and would negate the session's purpose.

4. Psychological Readiness

Even if you are physically healthy, a session might be postponed if:

1. Lack of Support System: If you don't have a safe environment or a person to help you "integrate" the experience afterward.

2. Acute Crisis: If you are in the middle of a massive life upheaval (like a fresh divorce or recent bereavement), sometimes the recommendation is waiting until the "dust settles" so the experience isn't too overwhelming.

Important Note: These protocols are designed for therapeutic settings. Using these substances recreationally or without medical supervision (especially if you fall into any of the categories above) carries significantly higher risks.

The contraindications for participating in psychedelic therapy at Triptherapie are clearly defined and strictly monitored, as explained in the article Why psychedelic sessions are not suitable for everyone. These limitations are in place to ensure both physical and mental safety for participants. In addition to medical considerations, psychological vulnerabilities are also carefully assessed.

The main contraindications include:

1. Active psychosis or a history of psychotic episodes. Psychedelics might worsen or re-trigger psychosis.

2. Diagnosed schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. These conditions are incompatible with substances like psilocybin or MDMA.

3. Bipolar I disorder. Unlike Bipolar II, which may be considered under certain conditions, Bipolar I is a strict contraindication due to the risk of triggering mania.

4. Being under the age of 30 with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. This combination increases the risk of a first psychotic episode in those with genetic vulnerability.

5. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. This is particularly relevant with substances like MDMA, which significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate.

6. Use of certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors or antipsychotics. These can cause dangerous interactions with psychedelics. SSRI and SNRI use is not an absolute contraindication but is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

7. Severe borderline personality disorder. In cases of emotional instability or suicidality, sessions may cause more harm than healing. In mild and stable cases, participation may still be considered following thorough screening.

8. Severe addiction without a stable foundation. Psychedelics can support addiction recovery, but only when motivation, support, and a basic level of emotional stability are present.

9. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Psychedelic sessions are not conducted during these periods for safety reasons.