Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition affecting traumatic event victims. PTSD can be mild or severe, and if left untreated, can affect the quality of life a person lives. Over the years, the medical and scientific community has created different medications and therapies to treat PTSD.
However, getting positive results from these treatments takes a long time, and some PTSD cases are resistant to medication and therapy. If you or a loved one fall within the latter category, you can try another treatment option — ketamine infusion therapy.
At Ketamine & Wellness Clinic of South Florida, we use ketamine infusion therapy to treat PTSD patients and have recorded excellent results. We will also guide you on your wellness journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
How Many People in the U.S. Suffer From PTSD?
PTSD is an anxiety disorder resulting from a traumatic experience. Common causes of PTSD are severe accidents, sexual or physical assault, childhood or domestic abuse, torture, losing a loved one, or war and conflict. PTSD affects numerous people in the United States.
Data shows that:
- About five in every 100 adults (about 5%) have PTSD yearly.
- In 2020, 13 million Americans had PTSD.
- Women are more prone to develop PTSD than men.
- Nearly eight out of every 100 women and four out of every 100 men (about 4%) will develop PTSD at some point.
- About six in every 100 people (6% of the U.S. population) will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
- Veterans have a higher possibility of developing PSTD than civilians.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, flashbacks, extreme anxiety, and more. If you or a loved one have PTSD, don’t waste time waiting to get treatment. Visit Ketamine & Wellness Clinic of South Florida today.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a non-invasive treatment used primarily to treat depression and other mental health illnesses. The treatment targets the brain’s receptors and raises levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate. As such, when taken in small doses, ketamine provides instant relief.
When administered in larger doses, ketamine reduces the body’s sensitivity to pain, promoting relaxation. Ketamine infusion therapy is one of the ways the medical society has adopted to treat the severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, ketamine has existed for much longer. The first link of ketamine to PTSD occurred during the ‘90s and the Gulf War with Iraq. Injured soldiers who underwent surgery were given ketamine as an anesthetic medication, and these soldiers either did not or rarely developed PTSD compared to soldiers given other types of anesthesia.
Ketamine as Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants have been used for a long time to treat PTSD. However, several studies have shown that repeated dosing of ketamine, combined with counseling and psychotherapy, effectively treats PTSD. This is because the locus coeruleus, a circuit of the brain that enhances resilience and resistance to stress, is activated by ketamine.
Also, ketamine can block the brain’s N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter with significant effects on the nervous system, and overactivation can lead to depressive symptoms. When ketamine blocks the glutamate, it eases depressive thoughts associated with PTSD.
This is possible because ketamine restores the balance in the glutamate neurotransmission pathway. The effectiveness of ketamine in treating PTSD is so profound in that it relieves symptoms within hours and days. For instance, even if you underwent a 40-minute ketamine infusion therapy, your symptoms will diminish.
This is significant because other treatments can take weeks or months to get results. Furthermore, ketamine reduces inflammation and anxiety that contribute to PTSD and increases serotonin levels in the brain. The increased serotonin reduces fear and distress and improves mood and behavior.
Another reason for using ketamine is that it can repair and create new neural pathways, enabling the brain’s neurons to communicate better. As a result, you will experience less intense emotions and panic attacks.
How Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Administered?
At Ketamine & Wellness Clinic of South Florida, we administer the ketamine infusion intravenously in a clinical setting in conjunction with counseling. The infusion can last 40 minutes or more, and you will be supervised for half an hour or an hour before being discharged. Also, you may require several weeks of treatments, depending on how you react, and we also have follow-up care and support available.
Book a Free Consultation With Ketamine & Wellness Clinic of South Florida
If left untreated, post-traumatic stress disorder can derail your life and destroy your relationships. Thankfully, ketamine infusion therapy has shown positive results in treating PTSD symptoms. Therefore, if you or a loved one have PTSD, we recommend getting ketamine infusion therapy.
Since individual needs differ, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Our team is committed to helping you recover and live the best quality of life. Contact us for more information.