The mindful use of psychiatric medication: Report from the Tel Aviv Psychoactive Clinic Project and a proposed model for psychiatric care

Background and aims: The recent resurgence of psychedelic research has led to increased interest in extra-pharmacological factors shaping drug effects (set and setting). Habitually discussed in the context of psychedelic therapy, the relevance of set and setting to determining the outcome of non-psychedelic psychiatric interventions receives strong theoretical and empirical support in the literature. Unfortunately, there has been little research on the subject. The current study addresses this lacuna and investigates the potential of using non-pharmacological interventions to improve the outcomes of psychiatric care including safety, satisfaction, efficacy, and non-habituation. Methods: 110 participants (patients prescribed with psychiatric medication) took part in workshops focused on 1) Relaxation (Anxiolytics) 2) [n = 70] Focus (Stimulant ADHD Medication) [n = 40]. Workshops included a) an educational section designed to increase participants' understanding of their medical conditions and prescribed medications b) an experiential section that included the guided, mindful ingestion of the prescribed drug in a supportive setting including reinforcing cues and the practice of non-pharmacological techniques for coping with underlying medical conditions. Results: Survey questionnaires (n = 33) indicated a significant improvement in participants' understanding of their medical conditions and the properties of their prescribed medication. Semi-structured interviews demonstrated a strong interest in the idea of mindful use of medication, benefit from the communal setting of ingestion, as well as recurring themes of greater satisfaction with- and improved ability to derive benefit from the use of prescribed drug. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study demonstrate the impressive potential of providing patients with extra-pharmacological tools to improve the outcomes of prescription drug use and supports the need for further study.