IV Ketamine for Treatment of PTSD Symptoms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can result in a wide range of symptoms, including nightmares or flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling numb, difficulty concentrating, being easily startled, feeling on-guard, or being emotionally distant. Patients with PTSD may feel that they are reliving the event, or take drastic steps to avoid situations that may remind them of the episode. Many people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, and some find themselves misusing drugs or alcohol to help manage their distress. PTSD symptoms can be debilitating and life altering unless recognized and treated by a mental health team.

Standard treatment strategies for managing PTSD include medication management with antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleep aids, as well as a variety of trauma-specific therapy modalities. However, for many people, these treatments are not effective enough. 

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V ketamine has been studied as another treatment option for managing PTSD symptoms. Studies have shown that ketamine infusions can have a rapid, effective, and often long-lasting decrease in PTSD symptoms. Ketamine has also been seen to treat the depression and anxiety symptoms that often accompany PTSD. While there is still more research required to understand the full impact of IV Ketamine for treatment of PTSD, early studies have been very encouraging. 

Maverick Medicine is a veteran owned and managed concierge medical clinic. As a prior Navy physician, Dr Bianchi has worked very closely with current and prior members of the military who suffer from combat-related PTSD. He is strongly committed to serving our veteran population and all patients suffering from PTSD. You can read more about Dr Bianchi's military background here. 

If you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you can learn more about the condition at the National Center for PTSD.