Social anxiety or social phobia is not an easy thing to live with, as it can leave you feeling distressed after daily social interactions. Ketamine Therapy is an emerging treatment for alleviating the symptoms of various mental health conditions. Here’s how it can help with social anxiety disorder.
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Individuals with social anxiety disorder experience deep discomfort and fear in social situations. This can make their private and work lives difficult to manage, as some develop partial social avoidance, while others avoid social settings completely. They can also experience fear of being judged and misunderstood by other people, due to their low self-esteem.
Common treatments for social anxiety include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or traditional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Social anxiety symptoms usually include feelings of embarrassment, nervousness, and worry, before, during, or after social interactions, with physical symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking
How Ketamine Can Help with Social Anxiety
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug with dissociative properties, used in Ketamine Therapy for treating symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and causing a surge of glutamate in the brain. This action can promote neuroplasticity and ”rewire” the brain, reducing negative and obsessive thought patterns that are common in social anxiety.
Comparing Ketamine and Traditional Antidepressants (SSRIs)
Both ketamine and traditional antidepressants have antidepressant properties that help alleviate symptoms, but their mechanisms of action and key characteristics can drastically influence the patient’s healing journey.
| Treatment Type | Ketamine | SSRIs |
| Administration | By injection or infusion | Orally |
| Onset of Effects | Within hours or days | Several weeks |
| Duration of Treatment | Two to six weeks | A few months or years |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea, fatigue, weight gain |
| Black Box Warning | / | Some antidepressants can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 |
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is conducted in a clinical setting and administered by a trusted medical professional. Each service is medically monitored to deliver the best results and avoid safety risks. All treatment plans are personalized and tailored to fit the unique needs and treatment goals of every patient.
Ketamine Therapy offers various administration methods, including intramuscular injections (IM) and intravenous (IV) infusions. Intramuscular injections are the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects.
A typical Ketamine Therapy session consists of three main phases, including:
- Preparation phase: A compassionate Guide is there to prepare the patient for the session through setting intentions, breathwork, and meditation, making them more open and responsive to receiving the treatment.
- Medication phase: A precise dose of ketamine is injected into the large muscle of the shoulder by a medical professional.
- Integration phase: Patients are closely monitored during and after the medical phase, receiving grounding support and guidance. Integration can take many forms, such as journaling, art therapy, and meditation, encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and deep emotional healing.
”Set and Setting”
The concept of ”Set and Setting” is a core principle of Kadelyx Health, ensuring that all patients feel well-prepared and comfortable before their treatment. Set refers to the right mindset that the patient can achieve through thoughtful preparation with a trusted Kadelyx Guide, while Setting refers to the clinical space where the treatment is being conducted. Patients with anxiety and phobia-related disorders should feel calm and safe during their treatments to achieve optimal results, which Kadelyx Health has mastered with this approach.
Ketamine Services Available
Depending on personal preference and therapeutic needs, Ketamine Therapy is available in multiple forms. The common ketamine services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: Consists of 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: Consists oflimited 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: A treatment for couples with shared or individual social anxiety, looking to heal together. 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.
Overcome Social Anxiety Today
If you are struggling with social anxiety disorder, ketamine may be an innovative treatment option for reducing the symptoms of anxiety and enhancing your quality of life. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health, and learn more about the benefits of ketamine treatments and how they can help with your condition.
