El Instituto PAX de Sioux Falls utiliza la ketamina para tratar la depresión

PAX Institute, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, provides ketamine therapy aimed at treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Founded by anesthesiologists Andy Mortenson and Travis Behrens, the clinic seeks to offer an alternative to traditional antidepressants, which may not work for everyone.

Ketamine has been used since the 1970s as an anesthetic, but recent research has highlighted its effectiveness in mental health treatment. Studies indicate that ketamine IV therapy has over 70% efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms, compared to about 40% efficacy of conventional antidepressants. This rapid effectiveness can lead to symptom relief within hours or days, helping to reestablish neural pathways in the brain that have been weakened by depression.

PAX Institute combines ketamine infusions with guided therapy sessions to provide a holistic treatment approach. Mortenson emphasizes the importance of addressing unhealthy thought patterns, stating that ketamine can help patients develop new perspectives on their lives. This dual approach aims to enhance the overall therapeutic experience, enabling patients to better engage with subsequent therapies or positive life experiences.

Despite its therapeutic potential, ketamine therapy faces challenges due to its reputation from recreational use. The clinic aims to foster open discussions on its effectiveness when administered under professional supervision. Ketamine was approved for treatment-resistant depression in 2019, marking its entry into mainstream mental health treatment as a supervised prescription.

Mortenson and Behrens established PAX Institute after recognizing a community need for effective mental health care. They argue that a substantial number of individuals suffering from depression are not receiving adequate treatment through traditional methods. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the U.S. has experienced depression at some point, with it being the leading cause of disability for those aged 15 to 44.

At PAX, the treatment team includes psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kaitlyn Walker and clinical pharmacist Molly Mortenson, ensuring a well-rounded and collaborative approach. The clinic’s environment is designed to feel safe and supportive, with both founders still practicing anesthesiology outside of their clinic responsibilities.

As PAX Institute continues to promote ketamine therapy, it also aims to encourage a cultural shift in mental health care, expanding partnerships with other providers and raising awareness about alternative treatment options. Mortenson believes that integrating such therapies into broader mental health services can help meet the needs of patients who may not respond to traditional treatments.

For those interested in exploring mental health care options, the article also highlights local resources in Sioux Falls, including the Helpline Center, Southeastern Behavioral HealthCare, and Lutheran Social Services. These organizations offer support and counseling services to individuals seeking help.

As mental health awareness grows, clinics like PAX Institute are paving the way for innovative treatments, providing hope to individuals struggling with mental health issues.