Psychedelic Treatment in Rapid City–Not So New
Psychedelics are considered a relatively new and promising form of therapy for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related disorders. While this is new to Western medicine, it has been used by indigenous people around the globe for thousands of years. As modern psychedelics go, our own Dr. Brian Johns from our Minneapolis clinic conducted a study in 2014 that was instrumental in bringing a psychedelic drug out of hospital-only use. This study with the Minneapolis VA set the stage for mental health clinics to start using ketamine for outpatient treatment.
According to Dr. Johns, “When administered in a safe, controlled setting, certain psychedelics can help recalibrate the brain by growing neurons and helping them respond better to neurotransmitters that improve our mood.” These therapies are often used as part of an augmentation strategy with talk therapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Psychedelics can even improve responses to other depression treatments.
The four main psychedelics that are currently being studied for use in depression patients include:
- Ketamine (already FDA-approved)
- Psilocybin
- MDMA
- LSD
Ketamine – An Approved and Proven Psychedelic
Leading the way as a clinically available and heavily studied psychedelic, ketamine was FDA-approved as an anesthetic in 1970. Plus, the brand-name version, esketamine (Spravato), is the only FDA-approved treatment for suicidal thoughts. Ketamine has been used for psychiatric treatment and has proven successful for many patients who tried multiple other antidepressants without relief.
Learn more about ketamine:
- Benefits and risks of ketamine treatment
- How to get ketamine in Rapid City
- Common questions patients ask about ketamine/esketamine
Emerging Psychedelic Treatments
Other psychedelic medications are still being studied and are not yet approved for patients to use unless they are part of a clinical trial. However, the findings so far look promising. Even so-called psychedelic clinics are waiting on further approval of newer psychedelic treatments and rely primarily on ketamine for now, and with good reason.
Oregon is the first state to legalize psilocybin, and many other states are in the process of legalizing the drug. The drug may only be administered by trained professionals for use in adults 21 years and older.
The FDA is looking to approve the use of psilocybin and MDMA for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because psychedelic medications provide far better results than traditional antidepressants (Psychiatric Times). For patients with “treatment-resistant” mood disorders, the benefits of these medications far outweigh the potential dangers. For depression patients who feel hopeless, these medications could be life-saving.
While more studies and trials are needed before psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD can be used as mood-altering medication, ketamine is a psychedelic treatment available now in Rapid City. It is important that you receive ketamine from a mental health professional who has experience treating patients with similar psychiatric symptoms.
Getting Started with Psychedelic Treatment in Rapid City
To get started, meet with a mental health practitioner who offers ketamine or Spravato, such as at Manlove Brain and Body Health, to determine if ketamine is right for you. Please know that ketamine may not be right for everyone. For example, patients with psychosis or bipolar disorder must be working with a prescriber and taking medications appropriately, as ketamine alone can worsen both conditions.
We are excited about the promising results regarding additional psychedelic medications and are working with researchers at the University of Rochester to develop a pilot program. Our team of mental health professionals is always looking for the best depression treatments for our patients. If these additional psychedelic treatments continue to provide consistent, positive results, we hope to add them to our mental health treatment solutions to help our Rapid City patients feel better and live happier.
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Stephen Manlove, MD is one of the most entrepreneurial psychiatrists in the upper Midwest. Dr. Manlove graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residencies in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine through the University of Virginia Medical School. He holds multiple board certifications in psychiatry/neurology, internal medicine and forensic psychiatry. This deep understanding of medicine gives him a unique ability to practice truly holistic psychiatry—fusing lifestyle changes and brain health best practices with genetic testing and a detailed laboratory workup to develop a personalized plan for each patient. As an early adopter of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine/Spravato, he and the Manlove Brain + Body team have helped thousands of patients suffering from treatment resistant depression, anxiety and PTSD.
