If you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you’re not alone. In fact, about 6% of Americans experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur if you experience or witness a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts, can respond to treatment strategies, such as medication management, counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or exposure therapy. However, in some cases, PTSD symptoms aren’t sufficiently resolved using these methods.
Ketamine infusion therapy is also used as an effective treatment option for PTSD. At Invigorate Asheville, in Asheville, North Carolina, Linda Dula, DO, and her expert care team offer intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion. Here’s how Dr. Dula can use ketamine infusion therapy to treat PTSD.
The events that lead to the development of PTSD can occur quickly or over time, but the symptoms of PTSD can affect a sufferer’s work and personal life for years. This mental health condition is characterized by a number of symptoms, such as:
You may be able to find relief from these symptoms through counseling or medication. But, if PTSD symptoms remain, it could be time to learn more about ketamine infusion therapy for PTSD.
Studies show that safe, controlled doses of ketamine can quickly reduce the intensity and severity of PTSD-related symptoms as well as change pathways in your brain to help you recover from your trauma for the long term.
Ketamine interacts with the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is a highly excitable amino acid. Ketamine blocks glutamate from binding to the receptors in your brain, preventing this “excitable” neurotransmitter from participating in the formation of negative thoughts and feelings.
And, ketamine also interacts with other receptors in your brain, including your opioid receptors. Ketamine encourages new neural connections to form and blocks the pathways that cause PTSD symptoms.
Ketamine infusions work fast, which can help relieve symptoms within hours. And, your results with ketamine therapy for PTSD can be long-lasting.
A ketamine infusion therapy session takes place in Invigorate Asheville’s medical spa environment. Your infusion appointment takes about an hour to complete, and you should plan on taking the rest of the day off after your appointment. Our team monitors your condition throughout your infusion.
Many patients find that a series of infusion sessions delivers the best results for long-term symptom relief. Every treatment is specific to the patient, so your treatment plan will depend on your situation. Dr. Dula will give you a thorough evaluation and discuss the best course of action.
To learn more about ketamine infusion therapy and to see if it can help you, call 828-237-1511 or book an appointment online with Invigorate Asheville today.
