Can ketamine potentially be used in the treatment of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Recent research results are very promising, especially because PTSD has a history of being difficult to treat with traditional methods. In this article we are going to explore the groundbreaking research supporting this therapy, as well as related questions such as, who should and who shouldn’t try ketamine infusion treatments for PTSD.
When veterans come home, their experiences can return with them. Sometimes their memories (especially traumatic ones) continue to vividly pop up in their heads, even to the point where they are reliving their traumas years after those events occurred. Experiencing emotional and psychological triggers after witnessing or being part of a terrifying event is known as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects the lives of many people worldwide. Shockingly, more military personnel die by suicide than in combat. Many treatments have been subpar in the past, however, ketamine may be an alternative treatment option for those who are still struggling. But there are some caveats and considerations that need to be taken before jumping on the ketamine bandwagon.
Patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are plagued with flashbacks, arousal dysfunctions, and avoidance symptoms. Unfortunately, there are few treatments that effectively treat all of PTSD’s symptoms. Research presented at the Society for Neuroscience suggest that ketamine may aid in ridding patients of fearful memories at the root of this disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic disorder that arises after severely stressful events. PTSD is characterized by its disabling effects—hyperarousal, avoidance, and re-experiencing symptoms. Affecting an estimated 7.8% of the general population, PTSD is particularly diagnosed among people who have experienced interpersonal violence. Survivors who suffer from PTSD do not have many options in reducing PTSD symptoms, because few modern pharmacotherapies—treatments using drugs—are effective.
