Essential Elements of the Psychedelic History Interview
| Name of Element | Ask About |
|---|---|
| Psychedelic substance use patterns | First use of psychedelic substance(s) |
| Different psychedelic substances used (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline, DMT, etc.) | |
| Frequency of psychedelic use | |
| Dose(s) of psychedelic substances used | |
| Experiences during psychedelic intoxication | |
| “Set” elements | Intentions or goals of psychedelic use |
| Meaning ascribed to psychedelic use | |
| Relevant personality traits (e.g., openness, self-transcendence, impulsivity, irresponsibility) | |
| Knowledge of psychedelics, including therapeutic uses | |
| History of hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder | |
| “Setting” elements | Location(s) of psychedelic experiences (e.g., private versus public) |
| Use of perceptual cues during psychedelic experiences (e.g., music, visual imagery, tactile stimuli) | |
| Concomitant substance use | |
| Presence of other individuals for guidance or emotional support during psychedelic experience | |
| History of using psychedelics in the setting of concomitant obligations | |
| Problematic use | Using psychedelics more than intended or over a longer period than intended |
| Excessive time spent obtaining or using psychedelics or recovering from use | |
| Using psychedelics despite failure to fulfill major role obligations | |
| Using psychedelics despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems related to use | |
| Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities to use psychedelics | |
| Recurrent psychedelic use in hazardous situations | |
| Other elements to consider | Problematic use of other substances |
| History of legal problems related to psychedelic use or distribution | |
| History of antisocial or criminal behavior |
DMT, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; LSD, lysergic acid diethylamide.