There are several treatment options for managing symptoms of PTSD, but each diagnosis is unique and needs a specific approach. Both Spravato and traditional antidepressants do work, but offer different things. Here’s everything you should know about the two treatments and how they can help with post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that can be a result of experiencing or witnessing something traumatic (a traumatic event, war, injury, near-death experience, loss of a loved one, abuse, etc.).
Some PTSD symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Intrusive and negative thoughts
- Overwhelming flashbacks and recurring nightmares
- Elevated anxiety levels
- Depressive symptoms
- Avoidance of places, people, or anything that could be a trigger
- Dissociation
- Depersonalization
A lot of individuals struggle with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder, which means that there is another or multiple co-occurring mental health conditions along with PTSD, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), or anxiety disorders and others.
How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated?
There are several treatments for PTSD, the most common one is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, combined with oral medicine such as sertraline or paroxetine, which are both considered traditional antidepressants. Each diagnosis and its treatment is unique, as some people also struggle with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), comorbid PTSD, or treatment-resistant PTSD, which need a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Understanding Spravato Therapy
Spravato is an innovative treatment that provides relief from symptoms of various mental health conditions. Spravato is a brand name for esketamine, a form of ketamine (one of two mirror molecules that make up ketamine). Currently, the treatment is FDA-approved for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation. It can be used off-label for reducing the symptoms of other mental health conditions such as PTSD.
The treatment is administered in a safe, clinical setting under medical supervision. Compassionate Guides at Kadelyx are there to ease participants into the treatment and ensure the safety and efficacy of each session. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, with each spray spaced 5 minutes apart.
How does Spravato (Esketamine) work?
Esketamine targets and blocksthe N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain to boost glutamate, compared to traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine. It can offer fast-acting relief, better neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new connections, and it helps reduce the obsessive and negative thought loops that are commonly occurring in conditions like PTSD.
Benefits of Spravato Therapy
Spravato offers a promising alternative for those who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants. Over the years, both ketamine therapy and Spravato therapy have given individuals new hope, with their personalized approach to healing. The main benefits of Spravato include, but are not limited to:
- Free consultation (learn about the treatment in detail and find out if Spravato is suitable for you)
- Personalized treatment plan (a tailored plan is created after assessing the mental and medical history)
- Safe, clinical setting (compassionate Guides supervise each session)
- Non-invasive administration (Spravato is self-administered via a nasal spray)
- Rapid relief (noticeable reduction of depressive symptoms within hours or days of the first treatment)
- Suited for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts
Understanding Antidepressants (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, are oral antidepressants that are considered traditional treatment options for treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This type of antidepressant is often paired with psychotherapy/talk therapy for better efficiency and long-term recovery.
SSRIs work by blocking serotonin reuptake in the brain, and therefore boosting the levels of serotonin.
A Comparative Overview of Spravato and SSRIs
While both of these treatments are used for helping with PTSD and co-occurring conditions, they do have many important differences which are important to recognize. Apart from different mechanisms of action, here are the main differences and similarities between Spravato and traditional antidepressants:
| Type of Treatment | Spravato (Esketamine) | SSRIs |
| Administration | Nasal spray | Oral medicine |
| Purpose of use | Reducing symptoms of depression and obsessive, negative thought patterns | Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety |
| Onset of effects | Within hours or days of the first session | Within a few weeks or even months |
| Duration of treatment | Twice weekly for 4 weeks, then once weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total) | A couple of months at least |
| Potential side effects | Nausea, dizziness, increased blood pressure | Gastrointestinal issues, disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, sexual dysfunction |
| Black box warning | / | Yes |
Insurance Coverage
Currently, Kadelyx Health offers coverage from BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna for Spravato for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD).
Break the Cycle of Struggling Today
If you are someone who struggles with PTSD, healing is definitely possible with the right treatment. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health to learn more about Spravato and how it’s tailored for those who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments.
