Ketamine, through infusion therapy, has made its way to becoming one of the newest and most effective trends in treating chronic physical and neurological irregularities. It is known to be highly effective in treating depression, neurologic and mood irregularities, chronic pain syndromes, and substance abuse dependency as compared to more traditional forms of treatment.
Ketamine Infusion for PTSD
One of the best applications of ketamine infusion is for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In a gist, the onset of this psychological disorder, according to the NIMH, occurs when an individual experiences a particularly shocking, scary, or dangerous event. When the cause is extreme or repeated enough times, it can trigger an intense psychological reaction akin to a “fight-or-flight” response even without an obvious stimulus.
PTSD is more commonly associated with members of the military, especially after having undergone a war or operation. While servicemen are the most common patients, this actually affects more than 8 million Americans, with trauma ranging from physical or mental abuse, near-death experiences, sexual abuse, and other traumatic events. However, we now know that PTSD is 4.5 times more common in women than men, and the causes can be totally unrelated to military experience.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants are the most common form of treatment for those inflicted with PTSD, but the results have been widely ineffective for many patients. Due to today’s advancements, ketamine therapy might be the answer to treating PTSD.
The Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for PTSD
Reorganizes brain circuitry
PTSD, through the disorganization of an individual’s brain synaptic pathways, confuse memory and physiologic symptoms. When the glutamate receptors are overly-stimulated, a person suffering from PTSD will start feeling anxious, thus triggering the episode. Through a dissociative process that utilizes N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, ketamine regulates the concentration of glutamate—allowing the brain to reorganize itself in a healthy manner.
Helps face the trauma
One of the theories in PTSD treatment is for the individual to face the trauma and break it down to its basest roots. Through the dissociative state that ketamine therapy brings, a patient can examine their thoughts and state, calmly and objectively processing the trauma that they feel.
The experience will breed an opportunity for the patient to self-examine in a euphoric and safe place—assisting in “decoupling” the stimulus-response pathways in order to reduce the extreme emotional symptoms experienced with PTSD. By undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, the patient has a unique opportunity to process, heal, and find peace.
It can fulfill what traditional medicine can’t
Ketamine has been found to be able to stabilize mood irregularities and help in the resolution of major depressive disorder and anxiety—two major factors associated with PTSD. While traditional medical and psychological treatments may be beneficial for some people, many patients still find themselves relapsing into an episode. Ketamine, by providing an avenue into self-introspection, allows a patient to resolve their inner turmoil and process it in a way that cognitive psychology therapy wishes to achieve.
Conclusion
Ketamine infusion therapy is one of the best treatments for PTSD in modern times. While there is a great deal of misinformation surrounding ketamine, it is completely safe and is known to be highly effective.
If you’re looking for the best facility that administers ketamine therapy for PTSD in Sherman Oaks, then we are the one for you. Get in touch with us and schedule a consultation today!
