Ketamine Therapy for PTSD & Anxiety: A Fast-Acting Solution in New Jersey

Conditions like PTSD and anxiety are debilitating in a way that may hinder a person’s ability to carry out basic day-to-day tasks. Treatment through therapy and medications often does not yield result for weeks, even months. The good news is that ketamine for anxiety and PTSD is gaining popularity as a new treatment paradigm. Here at Neuroplasticity MD, we utilize ketamine therapy for PTSD, which gives clients hope about their health struggles.

Modes of Action: How Ketamine Helps with PTSD and Anxiety

The uniqueness of ketamine lies in it being able to alleviate PTSD and anxiety symptoms in hours when compared to conventional medications, which could take weeks to show effective results. Current literature indicates that ketamine activates the release of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that facilitates nerve healing and strengthens the ability to bounce back emotionally. This leads to healing of the stress and trauma as well as, more importantly, rewiring the brain for healthy emotional control.

In the case of individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, ketamine therapy for PTSD dramatically decreases unwanted experiences like flashbacks, avoidance behaviours as well as, emotional suffering. In the same line, those suffering from excessive worry, panic attacks and social anxiety often find relief after undergoing ketamine treatment.

PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Triggers.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD stems from certain traumatic events that disrupt brain activity, such as head injuries, stroke, or heart disease. This disorder affects the functioning of two important parts of the brain: The prefrontal cortex which is located at the front of the brain responsible for rational thinking and emotion management, and the amygdala responsible for memory and control of emotions. The elevated levels of stress hormones in the body like cortisol and norepinephrine compound the severity of the individual’s fight-or-flight response, making daily life more difficult or impossible to confront.

Common Causes of PTSD:

• Exposure to combat.
• Child abuse and neglect which can come in many forms including physical abuse, verbal abuse, or sexual abuse.
• Sexual violence or violence from intimate partners.
• Being beaten up or seeing a violent crime take place.
• Motor vehicle accidents.
• Death of close family members or friends.
• Natural disasters such as floods, fires, or even airplane crashes.
• First responders at emergency events who often see life-threatening situations.

Symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive memories, recollections, or events that come while the person is asleep such as visions of the trauma.
• Mental Withdrawal, including procrastination, neglecting duties, and avoidance of persons or activities that evoke memories.
• Hypervigilance, always looking for danger and feeling tense, having a bad temper or hair trigger temper, or being shocked with little provocation.
• Anger control problems or emotionally hurt including ashamed, anxious, suicidal, or violent outbursts of rage.
• Physical and somatic symptoms, including feeling nauseated, headaches, and not wanting to eat.

Each individual varies in the stimuli that trigger a relapse of the traumatic event, for some it could be loud sounds, certain smells, or anything that brings back unfortunate memories. Seeking medical intervention for PTSD is necessary when symptoms are debilitating.

Comprehending Anxiety Disorders

A doctor may classify anxiety as a disorder when it persists over a long period of time and is difficult to manage. Such disorders can bring about panic attacks, extreme concern, and avoidance behazviors that disrupt day-to-day functioning.

Forms of Anxiety Disorders: 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Suffering from chronic, persistent worry around basic daily functions.
• Panic Disorder – Occurrence of sudden and periodic panic attacks with symptoms such as chest pain and dizziness.
• Social Anxiety Disorder – Have an irrational degree of fear related to public interactions as well as social gatherings.
• Agoraphobia – Experienced anxiety of certain situations that prevent an individual from escaping a location.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder – Experiencing distress around being away from close friends and family.
• Substance-Induced Anxiety – Experiencing anxiety following the usage or cessation of a drug.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders: 

• Tension, persistent sweating, and feeling excessively anxious.
• Having a unsteady or thumping heart as well as feeling light-headed.
• Nausea, problems concentrating, or not being able to sleep.
• A desire to avoid anxiety provoking scenarios.

Causes and Risk Factors: 

Though the cause remains unknown, it can be due to trauma, genetic links, or even medical illness such as heart problems or issues with the thyroid. Major stress in life along with chronic stress, withdrawal from drugs, or even major life transitions can trigger anxiety.

How Ketamine Therapy Works  

Infusion of ketamine targets ineffective brain pathways enabling rapid relief of anxiety and PTSD. Glutamate production is promoted by ketamine which plays a role in neural connection restoration and emotional stability enhancement.  

Benefits of Ketamine Therapy   

✅    Works within hours instead of weeks. 

✅    Effective for treatment resistant PTSD and anxiety.  

✅    Reduces suicidal thoughts.  

✅    Helps manage co-occurring conditions like depression.  

Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?  

If you have tried traditional treatment options without any relief, ketamine therapy near me is what you might need. At Neuroplasticity MD, all patients are required to have a complete consultation to evaluate their medical history and symptoms prior to treatment.  

Book today to schedule a free consultation and learn how ketamine therapy can help you on your journey to recovery.