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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can result from experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

 

If you struggle with PTSD, You may have a heightened response to unexpected noises, bright lights, or voices. Triggers can be as simple as a friendly pat on the shoulder or waking up from a nightmare.

 

With PTSD, experiencing flashbacks from a distressing event is not uncommon. It may feel so vivid that you think you're reliving the situation. Consequently, you could treat those around you as if they're part of that horrifying ordeal and react in ways you never would under normal circumstances.

 

At Ketamine Health, we treat military veterans struggling with the aftermath of their experiences. With IV ketamine and psychotherapy, we have been able to help them overcome depression and PTSD.

 

Yet, it's not only veterans who struggle with PTSD. We also help others who have endured various forms of PTSD, with varying causes, such as abuse, traumatic relationships, assault, car crashes or natural disasters.

 

If you've thought about soldiers and PTSD, there are reasons why some combat veterans develop PTSD while others don't, just as some people develop PTSD after a sexual assault, accident, or disaster, while others don't.

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Image by Külli Kittus

What causes PTSD?

 

It's natural to wonder why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic event, while others seem to recover without lasting psychological effects.

 

The answer lies in a complex interplay of factors that contribute to the development of PTSD, such as genetics, personal history, coping mechanisms, support systems, the nature of the traumatic event, and the individual's way of processing the experience.

 

Depression often accompanies PTSD, and both conditions should be addressed at the same time.

 

IV Ketamine

 

We understand that finding the right treatment for PTSD can be a long and challenging journey. What if there's a breakthrough treatment that could alleviate your symptoms and bring you closer to healing? That's where IV Ketamine comes in.

 

There are a few reasons as to why IV ketamine therapy stands out as a treatment for PTSD:

 

  1. Rapid Relief: One of the most significant advantages of IV Ketamine is its ability to provide quick relief from PTSD symptoms. Unlike traditional medications that may take weeks or even months to show improvement, IV Ketamine can provide noticeable relief quite quickly compared to other treatments. This rapid response can be life-changing for those struggling with the debilitating effects of PTSD.

     

  2. High Success Rate: IV Ketamine has shown a remarkable success rate in treating PTSD, with studies indicating that over 70% of patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms. 

     

  3. Breaks the Cycle of Trauma: IV Ketamine works differently from other medications by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a critical role in learning and memory. By doing so, it helps to break the trauma cycle and allows the brain to form new, healthier neural connections. This unique mechanism of action helps patients find relief from the intrusive thoughts and flashbacks characteristic of PTSD.

     

  4. Dual Benefits: As mentioned earlier, PTSD often coexists with depression, making treatment even more challenging. IV Ketamine offers a dual benefit by effectively treating both conditions simultaneously, offering a comprehensive approach to mental health recovery.

     

  5. Supportive and Comfortable Setting: IV Ketamine infusions typically involve a series of infusions in a controlled and supportive environment. Under the care of our trained medical professionals, you can be assured that your safety and well-being are our top priorities. This therapeutic setting also allows for personalized treatment plans and close monitoring of your progress.

     

We know that living with PTSD can feel overwhelming, but there is hope for a brighter future. IV Ketamine has emerged as a transformative treatment option, giving many the opportunity to regain control over their lives and move forward on the path to healing.

 

While ketamine therapy is possibly the most effective and fast treatment for PTSD, it doesn't work for everyone. At Ketamine Health, we have seen that 80% of our patients will recover from their symptoms of depression.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, we encourage you to consider IV Ketamine as a potential treatment option. Remember, you don't have to face this journey alone – our team is available to help and support you throughout the treatment process.

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Research

 

Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of PTSD Source: Feder, A., Parides, M. K., Murrough, J. W., Perez, A. M., Morgan, J. E., Saxena, S., ... & Charney, D. S. (2014). Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 681-688.

 

Summary: This randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of intravenous ketamine in the treatment of chronic PTSD. Participants with chronic PTSD were randomly assigned to receive either a single infusion of ketamine or midazolam (an active placebo). The results showed that participants who received ketamine experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity compared to those who received midazolam. The study concluded that a single ketamine infusion might have rapid and significant therapeutic effects on PTSD symptoms.

 

Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant PTSD Source: Albott, C. S., Lim, K. O., Forbes, M. K., Erbes, C., Tye, S. J., Grabowski, J. G., ... & Thuras, P. (2018). Efficacy, safety, and durability of repeated ketamine infusions for comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(3).

 

Summary: This study explored the safety and efficacy of repeated ketamine infusions for individuals with comorbid PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. Participants received six ketamine infusions over a two-week period. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both PTSD and depression symptoms, with benefits sustained for up to four weeks after the final infusion. The study concluded that repeated ketamine infusions could be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD and depression.

 

Ketamine as an Adjunct to Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD Source: Dore, J., Turnipseed, B., Dwyer, S., Turnipseed, A., Andries, J., Ascani, G., ... & Newport, D. J. (2019). Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP): Patient demographics, clinical data and outcomes in three large practices administering ketamine with psychotherapy. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(2), 189-198.

 

Summary: This study examined the potential benefits of using ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy, specifically Prolonged Exposure Therapy, for individuals with PTSD. Participants received ketamine infusions before or after psychotherapy sessions. The results indicated that the combination of ketamine and psychotherapy led to significant improvements in PTSD symptoms. The study suggested that ketamine could enhance the effects of psychotherapy for individuals with PTSD.

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