Dr Roberta Murphy & Dr Jonny Martell - Screening and Recruitment for Psychedelic Research

Psychedelic clinical trials require rigorous screening and recruitment processes to ensure participant safety and study integrity. Researchers at the Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research present their methodology for the PSILODEP II study, comparing psilocybin and escitalopram for moderate to severe depression. Due to limited trial capacity, researchers must strictly screen, which involves evaluating psychiatric histories, current mental states, and potential for rapport with the therapy team. Participants often undergo multiple vetting steps, including interviews during which researchers must address the high emotional demands of psychedelic therapy. Beyond strict medical exclusion criteria, researchers carefully assess applicants regarding their history and psychological maturity, aiming for individuals capable of navigating intense, sometimes overwhelming, transformative potential of full, high-dose experiences.