Objective

Start the game with unique Disorders and work to treat them using Drugs while avoiding additional Disorders from other players. The first player to treat all Disorders in their Psyche wins. Alternatively, you can play until one "sick loser" remains.

Setup

1. Separate the Cards:

   • The deck includes Disorders, Drugs, Episodes, and Therapy cards.

   • Separate all Disorder cards from the deck. Shuffle them and deal 4 face-up cards to each player (this forms their Psyche). If playing with 6 or more players, deal 3 Disorder cards per player.

   • A Psyche cannot contain duplicate Disorders. If this occurs, place the duplicate at the bottom of the deck and draw a replacement.

2. Prepare the Deck:

   • Shuffle the remaining Disorder cards back into the deck.

   • Deal 4 cards face down to each player (this forms their Hand).

3. Game Area:

   • Place the remaining deck as the draw pile and create space for a face-up discard pile.

   • Play proceeds clockwise, starting with the player who last had a nightmare.

How to Win

Use the cards in your Hand to treat all Disorders in your Psyche. The first player to do so wins. If you’re playing elimination-style, continue until one player remains with untreatable Disorders.

Gameplay

Turn Structure

1. Draw Cards:

   • At the start of your turn, draw 2 cards from the draw pile.

2. Play Cards:

   • You may play up to 2 cards per turn, or none if you choose.

3. End Turn:

   • Discard down to 6 cards in your Hand if you exceed this limit.

Actions on Your Turn

You can perform the following actions during your turn:

1. Treat a Disorder:

   • If you have a Drug card matching a Disorder in your Psyche, place the Drug on top of the Disorder to treat it.

2. Give a Disorder to Another Player:

   • Each Drug card lists side effects under “MAY CAUSE.”

   • If a player has a treated Disorder with side effects matching a Disorder in your Hand, you may add that Disorder to their Psyche.

   • A Psyche cannot hold duplicate Disorders, including treated ones.

3. Use a Therapy Card:

   • Therapy cards act as wild cards. Discard a Therapy card along with one Disorder from your Psyche.

   • Exceptions:

     • Tremors cannot be treated with Therapy.

     • Anorexia must be treated with Therapy as no Drug exists for it.

   • Note: Once a Disorder is removed via Therapy, it can return later.

4. Give an Episode:

   • Use an Episode card to trigger the punishment listed on an untreated Disorder in another player’s Psyche.

   • Place the Episode card on the chosen Disorder, and the affected player must comply with the punishment. Discard the Episode card afterward.

Game Mechanics

• Shuffle the Deck:

  • When the draw pile is empty, shuffle the discard pile to form a new draw pile.

• Bargaining:

  • You may trade cards with other players during any phase of the game, provided:

    • No more than 2 cards are played on your turn.

    • Cards traded cannot be played outside your turn.

House Rules

Customize the game as you like:

• Allow duplicate Disorders in a Psyche.

• Permit players to treat others’ Disorders with Drugs from their Hand.

Bonus Cards

Occasionally, bonus cards can add variety to the game. Examples include:

• Misdiagnosis:

  • Swap a Disorder in your Psyche with one from your Hand. Keep the swapped card and discard Misdiagnosis after use.

• High Tolerance:

  • Force another player to discard one Drug from their Psyche. Discard both the Drug and High Tolerance card after use.

Strategies

1. Understand Punishments:

   • Review the punishments for Disorders in your Psyche to anticipate risks and prioritize treatments.

2. Beware of Madness:

   • Madness forces you to discard all Drugs in your Psyche. Treat this Disorder carefully but don’t fall too far behind.

3. Hoard Wisely:

   • Avoid hoarding Drugs unnecessarily. Many punishments force card loss, so strategize carefully.

4. Block Opponents:

   • Hold on to cards that opponents need to treat critical Disorders.

5. Plan for Vulnerabilities:

   • Understand the side effects of the Drugs in your Psyche to prepare for potential incoming Disorders.

6. Negotiate:

   • Use bargaining to gain advantages or disrupt opponents. Offer deals they can’t refuse to secure your win.