While ketamine is best known for reducing the symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), it can be a transformative treatment for anxiety, too. Here’s how Ketamine Therapy can help with anxiety symptoms.
Understanding How Anxiety Disorders Work
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can present itself in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorders. The typical symptoms include fear, phobias, irritability, obsessive thoughts, as well as physical symptoms such as restlessness, heart palpitation, tension, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Anxiety can also be a co-occurring condition with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety and depression are also usually intertwined and have overlapping treatments.
Treatment of anxiety disorders usually consists of combining psychotherapy and prescription medications. The treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, while the common medications include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and benzodiazepines.
How Ketamine Can Help with Symptoms of Anxiety
Ketamine is a medication with anesthetic and dissociative properties. Compared to traditional treatments, which typically target serotonin, ketamine targets glutamate. Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which causes a surge of glutamate in the area of the brain responsible for mood regulation, decision making, and self-control. Ketamine offers both anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. It also boosts the brain’s ability to form new connections (neuroplasticity), which supports breaking negative thought patterns.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is an effective treatment for relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. Ketamine Therapy has also shown significant improvement in people who are struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants. The fast-acting effects can be felt within hours or days of the treatment session, which can be helpful for those dealing with severe anxiety.
The treatment is conducted in a safe, clinical setting by licensed professionals. Ketamine is administered by intramuscular injection (IM), intravenous infusion (IV), or nasal spray (Spravato). Kadelyx offers personalized treatment plans that are tailored to fit the unique needs of each patient.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Ketamine Therapy is available in various forms to accommodate different therapeutic needs, including services such as:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A one-on-one treatment with extended preparation and integration phases led by a compassionate Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: A balanced treatment of guidance and independence, led by a trusted 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 who want to rebuild and strengthen their relationship by healing from their mental health challenges. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals who want toheal in a supportive, group setting with up to 6 people per group. 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 clinical supervision. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, each spaced five minutes apart.
Comparing Ketamine and Traditional Treatments for Anxiety
Choosing the right treatment for anxiety is not an easy thing to do. There are various options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. To decide which medication option is the best fit, it’s important to compare key aspects of each anxiety treatment.
| Treatment Type | Ketamine Therapy | SSRIs | SNRIs | TCAs | Benzodiazepines |
| Administration | Injection, infusion, nasal | Oral | Oral | Oral | Oral |
| Onset of Effects | Within hours or days | Several weeks | Several weeks | Several weeks | Rapid onset, within hours |
| 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 | It can last from a few months to a few years | Two to four weeks |
| Frequency of Treatment | Structured as a short series that lasts a few weeks | Ongoing | Ongoing | Ongoing | Short-term use |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea, fatigue, weight gain | Dizziness, nausea, headaches | Constipation, drowsiness, blurry vision | Blurry vision, fatigue, drowsiness, headaches |
| Black Box Warning | / | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 | Increased risk of addiction |
Break Free From Anxiety Today
Reducing symptoms of anxiety is possible with the right treatment. Book a free consultation with Kadelyx Health and learn more about the effectiveness of ketamine and how Ketamine Therapy can be a groundbreaking treatment option for improving your mental health.
