PTSD, short for post-traumatic stress disorder, is a debilitating psychiatric anxiety disorder which can occur when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war or combat, abuse, rape, or other violent personal assault. Although PTSD is most commonly associated with combat veterans, it can affect anyone. Women are twice as likely to have it than men. It is estimated that one in 11 adults in the US will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifespan.[1]
PTSD is treatable, and as with many health conditions, the earlier treatment begins, the better the likelihood of a successful outcome. Various effective, evidence-based treatment methods and modalities are used by Psychiatrists and mental health professionals to help PTSD recovery. Psychotherapy and medication both can be effective for treating it. Recently, a new treatment modality has come to light in the PTSD treatment arena: ketamine infusions.
Historically, ketamine has been used for anesthesia in the medical industry. It was discovered within the past decade that in patients with severe depression ketamine intravenous infusions can rapidly reduce signs and symptoms of depression. Clinical evidence suggests that ketamine infusions could have similar results in patients with depression and PTSD.[2]
Ketamine infusions can help with recovery post-surgery, managing chronic pain, especially CRPS, and treating PTSD and depression. Some potential benefits of ketamine infusions are:
- Pain management post-surgery or for those with chronic pain
- Promoting rehabilitation and self-guided recovery
- Reducing the need for prescription pain medications.
At Acute Pain Therapies we provide patients with more than just ketamine treatments. We offer a professional and comforting environment with amenities, to ensure our patients are as relaxed as possible for their treatment. Our comprehensive approach allows us to work closely with other providers in the Seattle, WA area who specialize in each patient’s unique condition.
If you are suffering from PTSD and or depression in the Seattle area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zachary Fisk to learn more about ketamine infusion therapy.
[1] https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
[2] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00749203
