Can Ketamine Infusions Help My PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that typically follows a traumatic event in your life. The resulting symptoms associated with PTSD can feel overwhelming and often interfere with the quality of life of those suffering from the condition.

At Klarity Clinic, the experienced physicians offer ketamine infusions, a treatment option for PTSD symptoms that aren’t treatable with other therapies. This innovative treatment provides hope for the eight million people in the United States who live with PTSD and its symptoms.

The development of PTSD

PTSD is a mental condition that can develop in the months, weeks, or years after a traumatic event. Though PTSD is common among those serving in the military, especially in a time of war, the condition can also affect those who experience or witness:

• Neglect
• Violence
• Sexual abuse
• Auto accidents
• Death of a loved one

These incidents and circumstances can affect how your brain works and trigger the dysfunction of your natural flight-or-fight response.

Some people adjust over time, and their acute PTSD symptoms go away on their own. However, many continue to experience chronic symptoms of PTSD that affect their long-term mental and physical health.

Signs you may have PTSD

PTSD affects people differently. Some develop their symptoms soon after the event, while others spend years without symptoms only to be sidelined by unexpected flashbacks and anxiety.

Other common symptoms associated with PTSD include:

• Depression
• Negative thoughts
• Sleep disruptions
• Excessive fear
• Persistent edginess and irritability
• Loss of interest in usual activities

People with PTSD are often easily startled and tend to isolate themselves or avoid social situations. Many also struggle to manage their anger and may have violent tendencies.

For some, self-medicating with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs can lead to an addiction. Thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicide are also common among people with PTSD who aren’t receiving treatment.

The benefits of ketamine for PTSD

Ketamine infusions have been an effective treatment for those with PTSD symptoms that aren’t relieved with other therapies.

Traditional treatments, like psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and anti-anxiety medications are useful for many people to control their symptoms. However, when these methods don’t provide consistent, long-term relief, ketamine infusions can help.

Ketamine is a prescription drug that rapidly increases the level of glutamate, the largest neurotransmitter in your brain. Glutamate is essential for normal brain function and by increasing its levels, you can experience a significant decrease in your symptoms also immediately.

Other advantages of ketamine infusions

Infusions of ketamine can also repair damaged neural connections or grow new connections to promote healing in your brain.

Within 24 hours of ketamine infusion therapy, many people experience a noticeable improvement in their symptoms. As the Klarity Clinic team often recommends a series of infusions over the course of two weeks, you can expect your results to continue to get better by the end of your treatment.

To protect your long-term health and reduce your risk for suicide and other complications of PTSD, schedule an evaluation at Klarity Clinic to see if ketamine infusions are right for you. You can call the office nearest you, or request an appointment through the online booking system today.