Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition that can develop following any type of traumatic experience. It manifests through a variety of disruptive symptoms, which may include:

• Intense and disturbing thoughts and memories of the trauma: Persistent and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event that can be distressing and hard to manage.
• Flashbacks: Vivid re-experiencing of the trauma, making you feel as though you are reliving the event.
• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event, causing disrupted sleep and heightened anxiety.
• Extreme sadness, anger, or fear: Intense emotional responses that can be difficult to control.
• Detachment from other people: Feeling disconnected or estranged from friends and family.
• Avoidance behaviors: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
• Strong reactions to unexpected noises: Heightened startle response or hypervigilance in response to sudden sounds.

PTSD is a highly personal condition; each individual experiences and responds to trauma differently. The severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

Causes of PTSD

The exact causes of PTSD are not fully understood. However, experiencing a traumatic event can trigger changes in the brain’s chemistry and hormone regulation in response to stress.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing PTSD:

• Personal or family history of depression or anxiety: A predisposition to mental health conditions can make you more susceptible to PTSD.
• Experiencing trauma at any point in your life: This includes childhood abuse, military combat, accidents, or any other form of severe trauma.
• Substance abuse disorders: Struggling with addiction can heighten your risk of PTSD.
• Lack of a strong social and emotional support system: Having limited support from family and friends can exacerbate the condition.

Treatment Options for PTSD

One promising treatment for PTSD is ketamine IV infusion therapy. This therapy provides rapid relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety, offering the mental and emotional clarity needed for effective talk therapies. Ketamine IV infusion therapy complements other PTSD treatments such as processing therapies, desensitization therapies, and various psychotherapies.

Ketamine IV Therapy for PTSD: What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with an Anesthesiologist or Anesthetist to determine if ketamine IV infusion therapy is suitable for you.

2. Treatment Plan: Typically, the initial treatment involves a series of six infusion sessions. Each session lasts about an hour, with a 40-minute infusion followed by a 20-minute recovery period.

3. Infusion Sessions: You will receive a low-dose ketamine infusion (approximately 0.5 mg/kg/hr). During the treatment, you may experience a relaxed or floating sensation along with other mild side effects that usually subside quickly after the session.

4. Monitoring and Follow-up: Depending on your response to the initial sessions and the severity of your symptoms, regular follow-up infusions may be recommended. Your Anesthesiologist and Anesthetist will carefully monitor you during each session to ensure your safety and adherence to best practice standards.

Learn More About Ketamine IV Therapy

If you are interested in learning more about how ketamine IV infusion therapy can support your PTSD treatment, call us or schedule an appointment online today. At NoCo MedSpa & IV Therapy in Greeley, Colorado, we specialize in providing ketamine treatments for depression and other PTSD symptoms. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve mental and emotional well-being.