(PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that affects individuals who have witnessed a terrifying and traumatic event. A person with PTSD may get anxiety spills, flashbacks, uncontrollable thoughts related to the event, nightmares, etc. It can cause distress and depreciate one's quality of life. Many people who have PTSD go in for traditional treatments like therapy or medication. These treatments may suit some, but some people may not respond to them. Thus, alternative therapies like Ketamine have come into the limelight. It is considered one of the potential treatments for Ketamine with immediate effects. However, many people are still skeptical about the treatment.
Read further to clarify some concepts about the effectiveness of ketamine treatment for PTSD.
Safety and Efficacy of Ketamine for PTSD
Studies have proved that Ketamine has clear and immediate effects on patients who have been suffering from PTSD. Ketamine therapy also helps cure major depression, chronic pain, chronic stress, and alcohol abuse. The rapid effects of Ketamine in these disorders pay testimony to the fact that it is a potent, safe, and rapid-acting treatment for PTSD. Most people reported a significant reduction in symptoms after taking ketamine therapy.
Ketamine therapy induces neuroplasticity, which is imperative in resolving PTSD fear extinction. For better and long-lasting results, combine ketamine therapy with psychotherapy sessions, which will help reduce the relapse rate magnificently.
Note: Transient dissociation is a side effect of ketamine therapy. But this dissociation is resolved spontaneously and does not last for more than a few hours.
Are you hesitant to take a session?
You can look for an organization that assures you to maintain confidentiality during and after the process. Many organizations also offer to heal from home, and they will either send a therapist to your place or give online sessions. While getting help from personalized therapists, also inquire whether your therapist is a licensed practitioner.
Ketamine and PTSD
Ketamine has been operational in medical settings for decades. It is used to maintain and induce anesthesia. Observing its effectiveness, it is now included in treating mental health disorders like PTSD. Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on several mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Some Case Studies
The use of Ketamine to treat PTSD is still in its early stages, but the results of preliminary studies have been promising. One study conducted by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine found that ketamine treatment significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD in veterans who had not responded to traditional therapies.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that ketamine treatment improved symptoms of PTSD in 41% of participants.
How does it work?
Ketamine for ptsd treatment involves a series of intravenous infusions for several weeks. The therapy is supervised in a clinical setting under the control of a trained medical professional. The patient may feel dissociative during the infusion, including detachment from reality or feeling outside their body. While these effects can be unsettling, they typically dissipate once the infusion is complete.
The effect of Ketamine on the treatment of PTSD is relatively new, and it is a potential alternative treatment for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies.
Lifestyle Changes that compliments Ketamine therapy
To maximize the effects of ketamine treatment for PTSD, inculcate some lifestyle changes in your routine. These changes include exercising to maintain physical health, getting adequate sleep, eating healthy, etc.
Thus, three majors are necessary to treat you in an effective way along with Ketamine:
- Rest
- Maintaining physical activity
- Taking proper diet
Rest & Regeneration
Sleep plays a massive role in determining the daily mood of an individual. The appropriate sleeping hours for an individual should be 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It helps an individual to get energized to face the next day. It is challenging for people suffering from anxiety, depression, or PTSD to get quality sleep. You can include these habits to improve your sleep:
- Do not consume caffeine before going to bed.
- Create a cozy and dark sleep space.
- Make sure that you stay hungry in bed.
- Record your sleep habits in a diary.
- Meditate or relax by keeping aside all the gadgets for at least 30 minutes before bed.
Fitness for Ketamine Patients
Indulging in physical activities is also one of the critical factors that help in elevating the mood and dealing with mood disorders. When combined with ketamine therapy, you can see immediate effects. According to studies, if you adopt an active lifestyle, you can elevate your mood. Physical activities help increase circulation in the body, leading to higher levels of oxygen, glucose, and nutrients in the brain. It also helps to eliminate toxins from the body and improves the brain's response to stress.
To begin with, you can add a 30 minute walk to your routine. Track your progress daily, and you can also ask your friend to be your workout buddy to maintain a proper schedule.
Diet For Ketamine Patients
Consuming the proper nutrients and vitamins will help you maintain your mental health along with ketamine treatment. According to nutritional psychiatry, our mood and the food that we consume are linked to each other. Taking the right amount of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can nourish your brain and protect it from oxidative stress.
So, these are some concepts related to how ketamine therapy can help you heal PTSD. If you make some lifestyle changes, as mentioned above, you will be able to see even faster results.
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