Science Behind Ketamine Treatment for PTSD

At Vessel IV, we believe in providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for PTSD. One such treatment that has shown promising results in recent years is Ketamine therapy. We will dive deep into the science behind Ketamine treatment for PTSD and why it may be a game-changer for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can range from severe and may include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression. Individuals with PTSD may feel overwhelmed, and emotionally numb, and may avoid situations that trigger their traumatic memories.

How does Ketamine work?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medicine for several decades. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, which results in a dissociative state where the individual may feel detached from their surroundings. In recent years, studies have shown that Ketamine therapy may be effective in treating depression and PTSD.

 

The Science behind Ketamine Therapy for PTSD

Ketamine therapy for PTSD works by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as glutamate and GABA. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of GABA and higher levels of glutamate in certain regions of their brains.

Ketamine works by binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which results in increased levels of glutamate in the brain. This increased level of glutamate results in the activation of a downstream signaling pathway that leads to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that plays a critical role in the growth and survival of neurons in the brain.

The increase in BDNF levels is thought to be the reason why Ketamine therapy may be effective in treating PTSD. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of BDNF, which may contribute to the symptoms of PTSD.

Ketamine Therapy for PTSD: What to Expect

Ketamine therapy for PTSD is typically administered intravenously, and the dosage may vary depending on the individual’s needs. The treatment usually lasts for about 60-90 minutes, during which the patient may experience dissociation and altered perception of time and space.

After the treatment, the patient may feel a sense of relief from their symptoms, and the effects may last for several days to weeks. However, it is important to note that Ketamine therapy is not a cure for PTSD and may need to be administered multiple times to achieve long-term relief from symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ketamine therapy may be an effective treatment for individuals with PTSD. The science behind Ketamine therapy suggests that it works by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in increased levels of BDNF, which may alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, we encourage you to consider Ketamine therapy as a potential treatment option. Contact us today at (505) 910-4888 and learn more about Ketamine therapy.