Living with PTSD can significantly disrupt the quality of life due to the intense symptoms. Understanding the root cause and finding an adequate treatment is the best course of action. Here’s how the effects of ketamine might help in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that can be caused by going through or witnessing something traumatic. PTSD can also have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders that can be triggered by trauma. Psychotherapy is a first line of treatment, focusing on the lived trauma, while medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered in severe or complex cases to reduce symptoms. The common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Intrusive and negative thoughts
- Nightmares and flashbacks
- Elevated stress and anxiety levels
- Depression
- Avoidance (of places, people, or anything associated with the trauma)
- Guilt and shame
How Ketamine Can Help With PTSD
Ketamine is an anesthetic medicine with dissociative properties, commonly used in treating treatment-resistant depression. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors and causing a surge of glutamate in the brain, making it an viable treatment for PTSD. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, and reduces the negative and rigid thought patterns that are prevalent in many mental health conditions. Symptom reduction is rapid, and it can occur within hours or days of the session, which can be particularly beneficial for people with treatment-resistant conditions who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants and conventional therapy. The patient can potentially experience improved emotional regulation, less distress and pain associated with their trauma, and a reduction in intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a mental health treatment conducted in a clinical setting by licensed professionals. Kadelyx offers tailored treatment plans that support the unique needs of each patient. Ketamine Therapy is administered intramuscularly (IM), intravenously (IV), or nasally, via Spravato. Intramuscular injections are the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects.
”Set and Setting”
The concept of ”Set and Setting” is a key aspect of Ketamine Therapy, which can greatly improve the chances of treating PTSD successfully. The Set refers to reaching the right mindset before each session with the help of a compassionate Guide. This will ensure that the patient feels safe and open to receiving all the benefits from the treatment.
The Setting refers to the clinical space in which the treatment is being conducted. People with trauma and stressor-related conditions should feel safe and supported during their treatment, which is why having a comfortable environment to heal in is so important.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Depending on personal preference and therapeutic needs, Ketamine Therapy is available in multiple forms to accommodate different needs. The common ketamine services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking extended preparation and integration phases led by a trusted Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking limited preparation and guidance led by a compassionate Guide. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements of Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: For couples seeking to rebuild their relationship by healing mental health challenges. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking group healing with up to 6 people. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Spravato Treatment (Esketamine): An FDA-approved nasal spray, self-administered under medical supervision. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, each spaced five minutes apart.
Comparing Ketamine and Traditional Medicine for Treating PTSD
While the first line of treatment is psychotherapy, patients with severe PTSD can take prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms. Here’s a comparison of ketamine and traditional medication that’s used in helping with PTSD.
| Treatment Type | Ketamine Therapy | SSRIs | SNRIs |
| Administration | Injection, infusion, nasal | Oral | Oral |
| Onset of Effects | Within hours or days | Several weeks | Several weeks |
| Duration of Treatment | Two to six weeks | It can last from a few months to a few years | It can last from a few months to a few years |
| Frequency of Treatment | Structured as a short series that lasts a few weeks | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea, fatigue, weight gain | Dizziness, nausea, headaches |
| Black Box Warning | / | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 |
Break Free from Your Trauma Today
Book a free consultation with Kadelyx Health and learn how ketamine can improve your symptoms of PTSD and support deep emotional healing.
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