Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that occurs in individuals who’ve witnessed or experienced a traumatic or life-threatening event. Examples include a natural disaster, violent crime, military combat, or a severe accident. Those with PTSD frequently suffer from intense and disturbing thoughts, feelings, flashbacks, and nightmares related to the event. Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of individual therapy, medication, and ongoing support.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, PTSD, or other mental health conditions, you are urged to seek professional help. Bishop Health offers integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders to help individuals confront the underlying factors that contribute to both disorders. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment plans and levels of care.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Ketamine Therapy for PTSD
Ketamine is a dissociative, sedating drug that has been used for decades in clinical settings to reduce pain and for anesthesia. More recently, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of ketamine for mental health conditions, including PTSD. (1) The precise mechanism regarding how ketamine treats PTSD is not yet wholly understood, but it is believed to involve several different processes. One of these is that ketamine blocks a brain receptor involved in forming and maintaining traumatic memories.
Ketamine may also promote the development of new brain cells and improve the connectivity between brain regions involved in regulating and processing mood and emotions. This may help decrease depression and anxiety, mental health issues commonly associated with PTSD.
Benefits of Ketamine Treatment & Therapy for PTSD
Ketamine therapy is believed to have several benefits in treating PTSD, and relevant studies have shown it has significant potential to relieve symptoms associated with this disorder. (2)
Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD Treatment Include:
- Rapid and noticeable symptom relief within hours or days.
- Improved mood and a reduction in depression and anxiety.
- Increased resilience and ability to cope with stress and triggers.
- Safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects when administered by a trained professional.
- Potential to enhance other treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication.
- Prolonged effects, with improvements in symptoms lasting for several months or more.
- Ketamine therapy has also been found to be effective for the treatment of other conditions that commonly occur with PTSD, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. (3)
Risks & Potential Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy for PTSD
Like most drugs, the use of ketamine, even when effective, has been associated with risks and side effects that should be considered before starting treatment.
Possible Side Effects & Risks Associated With Ketamine Therapy Include:
- Dissociative and hallucinogenic effects and increased anxiety in some patients, which can be distressing.
- Physical effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Dependence and addiction, particularly when used in high doses or outside of a medical setting.
- Adverse effects on cognitive function, especially in memory and attention.
- Interactions with medications, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for PTSD?
Ketamine therapy may be safe and effective for individuals experiencing PTSD who meet certain criteria.
Factors That Indicate a Person Could Benefit From Ketamine Therapy for PTSD Include:
- Failure to respond to other treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication.
- Severe or treatment-resistant symptoms, such as severe and unrelenting anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares.
- Safe and acceptable medical history, without certain conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of drug or alcohol misuse.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing treatment, such as psychotherapy, and ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers.
How Ketamine Therapy Is Administered for PTSD Treatment
Ketamine therapy for PTSD is most often administered in a medical setting by trained healthcare professionals.
Most Common Administration Methods for Ketamine Therapy Include:
- IV infusion, the most common method, where ketamine is delivered directly into a vein, typically in the arm or hand. (4)
- Intramuscular (IM) injection in the thigh or buttock, which is less common than IV infusion but may be an option in some situations.
- Other routes, oral, sublingual, transmucosal, intranasal, and subcutaneous administration.
All methods of delivery usually involve a series of sessions in which the patient is closely monitored for any side effects, and the dosage and infusion rate may be modified if necessary.
What Happens During a Ketamine Therapy Session for PTSD?
In PTSD ketamine therapy sessions, the patient is usually seated or reclined in a chair or bed. The ketamine is administered through IV infusion or another method, with sessions lasting 45 minutes to several hours, depending on various factors. The patient is then closely supervised to ensure safety, and vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, are monitored for any adverse effects. They will be supervised for a period to ensure their health is stable, and they may also be given a post-treatment evaluation by the healthcare provider to assess their response. They may also work with the patient to devise a treatment plan that may include follow-ups and ongoing monitoring.
What To Expect After Ketamine Therapy
After ketamine therapy, patients may experience a range of immediate and longer-term effects, both positive and negative. Here are some common things to expect after ketamine therapy:
- Immediate effects, such as feelings of relaxation, dissociation, and euphoria.
- Rapid and significant symptom relief.
- Short-term side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Long-term effects, which research has suggested may last for several weeks or months after infusion.
- Ongoing treatment, including a series of infusions over several weeks or months, as well as individual therapy or medication.
Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You if You Have PTSD?
Whether ketamine therapy is right for you depends on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and your treatment goals.
Factors To Consider To Determine if Ketamine Therapy Is Right for You or a Loved One Include:
- Severity of Symptoms—Ketamine therapy may be most appropriate for patients with severe or treatment-resistant PTSD symptoms, versus those that are mild or moderate.
- Medical History—This form of therapy may not be appropriate for patients with certain health conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, or a history of addiction.
- Previous Treatment History—If other treatments for PTSD have been attempted with little or no success (patient is treatment-resistant), ketamine therapy may be a viable option. (5)
- Individual Preferences—Some patients may prefer a non-invasive treatment, such as psychotherapy or prescription medication.
Contact Bishop Health To Begin Your Recovery Journey
PTSD and drug and alcohol addiction are both potentially devastating conditions, but recovery is possible. Bishop Health offers ketamine therapy and other treatments for a wide variety of substance misuse and mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. Contact us today to speak with a skilled Treatment Advisor and receive a free, no-obligation assessment and health benefits check. Learn more about our outpatient psychiatric services and commitment to providing individuals with the care and support they need to foster the healthy lives they deserve.
SOURCES
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
https://www.klarityclinic.com/blog/understanding-the-science-behind-ketamine-treatment-for-ptsd
https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/trip/what-is-ketamine-therapy/
https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/depression/ketamine-for-depression-dosing-administration-and-duration/
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20121677