Traditionally, ketamine has been used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia both in humans and in animals. However, research has uncovered an effectiveness in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and chronic pain management, and its use as a second-line treatment for conditions like depression is becoming more commonplace.
Ketamine therapy involves gradually introducing the drug into the patient’s blood stream using an IV drip bag containing a saline solution of ketamine. The process is painless when done expertly, and requires a medical prescription and administration via trained medical personnel.
Sun Health Center is a leading provider of FDA-approved ketamine therapy in greater Boca Raton, including Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Our staff is fully trained and medically certified to administer the therapy, and our on-staff doctors are amongst the leaders in their field when it comes to understanding the effects and benefits of ketamine.
How Can Ketamine Therapy Treat Anxiety and Depression?
We are currently experiencing a form of mental health crisis where many forms of anxiety and depression simply aren’t responding to treatment. For these situations, ketamine has proven beneficial in many cases as a second-line form of treatment.
One of the major factors of ketamine treatment is the near-immediate results. Patients receiving ketamine will often feel relief from depressive symptoms, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts within 4 hours of receiving the treatment. Most antidepressants, on the other hand, take 6-8 weeks to begin having an effect.
Furthermore, the feelings of relief that result from the ketamine therapy can last well into the following week after the treatment.
The science behind why ketamine therapy works is still evolving. We know that ketamine acts differently and on different receptors and neurotransmitters than other first-line antidepressants. The current consensus is that ketamine binds to NMDA receptors in the brain and increases the amount of glutamate (a neurotransmitter) in the brain. This sets off a neurochemical sequence that can affect mood, thought patterns, and perceptions of pain.
Can You Treat PTSD with Ketamine Therapy?
Post traumatic stress disorder is another area where front-line treatments, such as antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy, are sometimes not effective.
Because of the notable benefits of ketamine therapy in depression and anxiety patients, research has been conducted into the benefits when used to treat PTSD and ketamine has been found to be effective.
The short answer is yes, you can treat PTSD with ketamine therapy, especially since first-line treatments are so often ineffective. The longer answer is that we’re still learning about the benefits of ketamine therapy for PTSD and the future looks very promising indeed.
How Can Ketamine Therapy Treat Addiction?
Addiction is complex and often requires a complex treatment to overcome. Cravings, feelings of depression, and withdrawal can be constant challenges on the road to recovery.
Ketamine therapy has been found to have several benefits in the treatment of addiction and can be a very effective secondary option, particularly when combined with therapy.
Essentially, ketamine therapy can treat the depressive feelings associated with addiction, block the reconsolidation of drug or alcohol-related memories, and help patients become more receptive to new information and increase their planning skills to help break habits.
If you have any questions about ketamine therapy and how it can help you with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction, be sure to give us a call or email us and book a consultation today. Our Deerfield Beach office is fully equipped and staffed to help you on your journey to feeling better and living a fuller life.
This article has been medically reviewed by our staff at Sun Health Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
