Ketamine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Such an event can include military combat, sexual or physical assault, accidents, or a natural disaster.

If you're experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, help is available. Contact our team of professionals to discuss if ketamine for PTSD is right for you.

While symptoms can vary from person to person, they're generally grouped into four main categories:

Avoidance: Many PTSD sufferers will avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. In many cases, people will avoid speaking about the event or expressing the emotions related to it.

Intrusive memories: Through intrusive memories, like flashbacks or nightmares, a person may feel like they are being forced to relive the event. In many cases, a physical reaction is brought about, like a racing heartbeat or sweating.

Negative mood & cognition: It's not uncommon for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder to experience negative changes in their beliefs, feelings, and thoughts, like guilt or shame.

It's also possible that sufferers have difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.

Reactivity: Those dealing with PTSD may become more easily startled or on edge. Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom, as are sudden outbursts of anger or aggression.

The main cause of post-traumatic stress disorder is experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. A few examples of events that have led to the development of PTSD include:

• Experiencing or witnessing violence
• Suddenly losing a loved one, especially if in a violent circumstance
• Accidents, like a plane crash
• Military combat
• Sexual or physical assault
• Terrorism
• Being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition

It's important to note that whether or not an event is traumatic is subjective. What may affect one person may not affect another in the same way. Because of that, not everyone who experiences what may be defined as a "traumatic event" develops PTSD. There are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of it, though, like:

• A history of mental health conditions, such as depression
• Previous trauma or abuse
• A lack of social support
• A job or lifestyle that regularly exposes a person to traumatic events

Because psychological and biological factors can come into play here, it's important to speak with a medical professional if you believe you're suffering from PTSD. A proper diagnosis is the first step in recovery.