A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach to Mental Health
At PAX Institute, we understand that some patients may feel hesitant about newer forms of treatment for mental health conditions, particularly when it comes to therapies involving psychedelic medicines like ketamine. The idea of using a dissociative anesthetic may feel strange or uncomfortable for people used to traditional treatments.
We want to assure our patients that ketamine therapy at PAX Institute is based on scientific evidence. It is given with the highest levels of safety, professionalism, and compassion. We want to address common concerns about ketamine’s dissociative effects and psychedelic properties.
We aim to provide a better understanding of how this treatment works. We will explain why it is a good option for people who have not succeeded with traditional methods.
What Is Ketamine and Why Do People Use It for Mental Health?
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s and has been widely used in medical settings, particularly for surgical procedures and emergency care. In recent years, however, research has shown that ketamine can have profound effects on mental health, especially for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine, it works by modulating the NMDA receptor, which plays a role in neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This process leads to rapid changes in mood and emotional regulation, often within hours of the first treatment.
One of the main reasons that ketamine has gained attention in the psychiatric community is its ability to provide fast-acting relief for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants or talk therapy.
However, for some individuals—particularly those who are more accustomed to conventional treatments—there may be concerns about ketamine's psychedelic effects and dissociative properties. Let's address those concerns in a reassuring and scientifically grounded way.
Understanding the Dissociative Effects of Ketamine
Ketamine’s dissociative effects—where patients may feel disconnected from their body or surroundings—are often cited as a reason for skepticism. Knowing that the effects of ketamine are usually mild is important. This is especially true when a medical facility like PAX Institute provides it.
During ketamine therapy, patients may experience sensations of detachment, but these effects are temporary and usually subside shortly after the treatment session ends. The purpose of this dissociative state is actually a therapeutic one: it allows the patient to break free from entrenched thought patterns and gain new perspectives on their emotional and psychological struggles. This disconnection can create a heightened sense of clarity, enabling patients to process difficult emotions or traumatic experiences in a new light.
It’s crucial to emphasize that, under the care of medical professionals, the dissociative experience is controlled, and the risks associated with it are minimal. Patients are monitored throughout the session, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Additionally, ketamine is typically administered in low doses tailored to the individual's needs, making it a well-tolerated and safe option for those undergoing treatment.
How Safe Is Ketamine Therapy?
Safety is our top priority at PAX Institute. Our medical team—including a board-certified anesthesiologist, CRNA, pharmacist, and a mental health nurse practitioner—ensures that each patient’s ketamine therapy is supervised in a safe, controlled environment. Here’s why ketamine therapy at PAX Institute is safe:
Medical Supervision: Every patient undergoing ketamine therapy is closely monitored by our medical professionals. We use precise dosing and adjust the treatment based on each patient's specific needs and response. This ensures that patients experience the benefits of ketamine without feeling overwhelmed or disoriented.
Low Risk of Addiction: While ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, research shows that when administered under professional supervision and in low doses, the risk of addiction or abuse is extremely low. A study in The American Journal of Psychiatry (2020) found that ketamine, when used therapeutically, does not carry the same risk of dependency as substances like opioids or benzodiazepines (Zarate et al., 2020).
Minimal Long-Term Side Effects: Ketamine has a well-established safety record, with few side effects when used for mental health treatments. Most patients report only mild side effects, such as nausea or dizziness, which usually resolve shortly after the treatment. These effects are far less common and less severe than those experienced with traditional medications like antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
Not a Recreational Drug: Ketamine, when administered properly in a clinical setting, is very different from the recreational use of the drug. Our focus is on using ketamine as a medical tool to improve mental health outcomes in a safe, structured environment.
A Compassionate, Comfortable Approach to Treatment
At PAX Institute, we understand that the idea of psychedelic medicine can feel foreign or intimidating to those who are used to more traditional mental health treatments. Our approach to ketamine therapy in Sioux Falls is designed to make the experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.
We provide a calming, spa-like environment, where patients can relax in comfortable recliners, listen to curated music, and enjoy personalized care. Whether it’s through heating blankets, weighted blankets, or noise-cancelling headphones, we take great care to ensure that each individual feels safe and comfortable throughout their treatment session.
Our team is committed to providing the highest quality care, offering you a treatment option that is backed by science but delivered with a compassionate, personal touch.
Why Ketamine Is Gaining Recognition in Psychiatry
Ketamine has been hailed as a breakthrough treatment for individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders. Research over the past decade has shown that ketamine can provide rapid relief, even for those with treatment-resistant conditions.
A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet (2019) demonstrated that ketamine improves depressive symptoms in as little as 24 hours, compared to the weeks it often takes for traditional antidepressants to show results. This rapid onset of relief is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe depression, who may not have the luxury of waiting for weeks to see improvements in their mental health.
In addition to its speed and efficacy, ketamine therapy has been shown to have long-lasting effects. Research has suggested that repeated ketamine treatments can create lasting improvements in mood, providing relief for individuals who may have struggled with depression for years (Wilkins et al., 2020).
A Safe and Effective Treatment Option
At PAX Institute, we believe ketamine therapy is a safe and effective option. It helps people dealing with depression and other mental health issues. Our focus is on scientifically grounded care, with the goal of providing the best possible outcomes for every patient.
We understand that it can be difficult to embrace new forms of treatment, especially when it involves medications with psychedelic effects like ketamine. However, we want to assure you that with expert supervision, personalized care, and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, ketamine therapy is a compassionate, low-risk, and life-changing option for those who need it.
If you or someone you know has depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mood disorder, please contact PAX Institute. They can help you learn how ketamine therapy may change your life.
References:
Zarate, C. A., et al. (2020). Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Critical Review. American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(3), 206-217.
Wilkins, K., et al. (2020). Long-Term Efficacy of Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(3), 220-225.
