Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after a person witnesses or experiences a terrifying or traumatic event involving severe physical threat or harm. It can result in intense fear, horror, or helplessness. Some of the events that could cause this health condition include physical or sexual assault, an accident, natural disaster, war, or a loved one's unexpected death.
More often than not, symptoms begin manifesting after three months of the occurrence. However, they can sometimes appear until many years later. The duration and severity of the condition can vary. The symptoms are categorized into four groups:
- Reliving — PTSD patients often relive the ordeal through memories and thoughts of the trauma. It could be nightmares, hallucinations, and flashbacks.
- Avoiding — Patients might avoid places, situations, thoughts, or people that might remind them of their trauma.
- Increased arousal includes increased emotions, challenges relating to people, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
- Negative cognitions and mood — Refers to feelings and thoughts linked to the event, blame, and estrangement.
The treatment goal is reducing the physical and emotional symptoms, improving daily functioning, and helping you manage the traumatic event better. Typically, treatment involves medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Ketamine Therapy and PTSD
Even the most effective antidepressants are not satisfactory but better than their alternatives. They do not work more than they should. Also, the medication comes with side effects, and most patients develop a dependency on the drugs.
Ketamine could offer relief from PTSD symptoms and confidence without the side effects linked to antidepressants. It also has a short half-life and leaves your body quickly, making it a perfect treatment option if you don't want daily medication. It is a safer, more effective, and faster-acting alternative to traditional drugs. To learn the science behind the treatment, contact us today at (310) 437-7399.
