Ketamine, an anesthetic agent with analgesic properties, was developed by chemistry Professor Calvin L. Steven and has been used since 1962. Known for its ability to create visual and auditory distortion, ketamine was a highly effective anesthetic for Veterans after the war. Treatments for PTSD began in the 2000s when medical professionals began noticing the healing properties of ketamine and its ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Clinics across the US began to expand from their capacity to help treat mental illness, and till this day are known to be generally effective. Ketamine for PTSD is now proving to be a potentially powerful approach, but can it help anyone and any level of PTSD? Let’s find out.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a disorder that develops due to extremely traumatic events — people who are diagnosed with PTSD may feel frightened as if they are in danger, although not. It’s common for people to experience a form of PTSD after a traumatic event, however, folks diagnosed with the disorder experience the symptoms quite frequently. To be diagnosed with PTSD, the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with a persons day to day activities. These symptoms vary, however, common symptoms are paranoia, depression and anxiety.
The cure for PTSD is not definitive, however, there are several treatments, practices and therapies that reduce the symptoms. According to the BBR Foundation, the length of time a person can experience post-traumatic stress disorder varies. In some cases — if not treated by a professional — symptoms can last a long duration of time, and possibly a lifetime. For some, symptoms can be minimal, only lasting a few months.
History of Ketamine Treatments
After numerous animal testings, in 1956, the drug ketamine was given to patients undergoing intense surgery, especially during the Vietnam war. Many described the experience as super worldly as if they were floating in space and completely disconnected from the body.
The discovery of ketamine was significant due to its antidepressant effects. When discovered the drug was thoroughly evaluated for its effectiveness to not only decrease depression but also minimize anxiety, paranoia and PTSD. Ketamine was initially used as an anesthetic in the early ’60s for the soldiers in the front lines of the Vietnam War. Ketamine was a safer alternative compared to addictive painkillers like opioids for veterans and any persons with mood disorders. However, due to its euphoric effects, ketamine became a misused street drug named ‘Special K’. Thankfully, ketamine is now one of the most powerful breakthrough treatments for major depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD.
Many people have reported ketamine being a ‘horse tranquilizer, which is partially true. However, ketamine has been safely and extensively used in humans for over 50 years. In fact, many of today’s medications, antibiotics and supplements are commonly used on both animals and humans.
How Does Ketamine Treat PTSD?
Ketamine influences the brain circuit involved with resilience and resistance, blocking the NMDA-glutamate receptors. Glutamate is one of the main neurotransmitters that cause severe stress and if overactivated, a person can feel severe paranoia from increased cortisol levels. So what ketamine does is block the neurotransmitter to help ease any feeling of depression or anxiety. The process restores the glutamate neurotransmission pathway helping those with PTSD, and through this process, ketamine stimulates certain neurological connections since prolonged exposure to stressful situations causes neurons to die off.
Pharmaceuticals are usually prescribed — SSRIs, benzodiazepines and antidepressants — to patients diagnosed with PTSD. Ketamine is far different than any of these prescribed medications due to its long-lasting effects. Compared to western medicines ideologies, ketamine allows the patient to find the root of the problem — through reliving the traumatic event — rather than covering it up with a bandaid. Through this deep and spiritual process the client ‘purges’ which allows tremendous healing giving them a perspective that leads to transformation. And, while it’s tragic to relive these moments again (similar to hypnotherapy), it’s necessary, in order to truly heal. Many patients found that after just a few ketamine treatments they felt lighter, happier and motivated.
What Else Can Ketamine Help Treat?
Not only is ketamine great for healing patients with PTSD, but it’s known to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD and even physical body aches. The list, of course, goes on as its intrinsic effects on the body and nervous system heal countless disorders and illnesses. According to psycom, Steven Levine — a Board Certified Cardiologist — treated 3000 patients with ketamine since it was approved back in 2011 stating that ketamine is an excellent medicine for treating many mental illnesses.
“We have a crisis going on today and the traditional medications for depression aren’t very effective,” Dr. Levine says. “While ketamine is not FDA-approved for depression, 70% of the medications prescribed today are ‘off label’ for at least one use.” Commonly-prescribed antidepressants are also rarely fast-acting—taking weeks or months before a patient experiences any relief from the debilitating symptoms of depression. They can also cause nausea, drowsiness or insomnia, and constipation. Additionally, weight gain—which is associated with commonly-prescribed anti-depressants—is NOT a side effect of ketamine,” Dr. Levine says adding that its fast-acting nature may be the most important feature of the medication”.
While there is much controversy in the pharmaceutical industry, it’s safe to say that ketamine is a highly effective treatment that only takes a few sessions to start seeing results, opposed to a life-long prescription of medications with severe side effects.
Let us know what you think about ketamine treatments and their effectiveness in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
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