Anxiety Q&A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes you to feel fearful or uneasy for no particular reason.

There’s no known cause for anxiety, but you might have an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder if you have a family history of anxiety because of an imbalance in brain chemicals or environmental factors like stress or trauma.

While anxiety is a natural part of your fight-or-flight defense against danger, an anxiety disorder can cause persistent symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, your performance at work, and your ability to manage your responsibilities.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation for anxiety if you have symptoms of anxiety that aren’t getting better, even with treatment. Symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Behavioral changes

Many people with anxiety also deal with symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.

Dr. Ferrer specializes in using ketamine therapy to address anxiety that’s not treatable with traditional antidepressants. He customizes a treatment plan that helps to relieve your anxiety symptoms and restore your quality of life.

How does ketamine treat anxiety?

Ketamine is a sedative often used in surgery. In lower doses, the drug can treat a number of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine has a calming effect on your nervous system to help you feel less anxious and more relaxed. The medication also works on your brain by increasing the levels of glutamate, a prominent neurotransmitter in your brain, and by helping new neural connections form.

What can I expect during ketamine therapy for anxiety?

Dr. Ferrer delivers ketamine infusions into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. You typically need a series of infusions over the course of several days to reach the maximum benefit of your treatment.

The side effects of ketamine therapy are minimal and can include dizziness, nausea, and hallucinations. Dr. Ferrer closely monitors your health throughout your infusion and tracks your progress with ketamine after your treatment.

The effects of ketamine can last for several months, perhaps longer, depending on your unique needs. Many people experience a noticeable difference in their anxiety symptoms after their first treatment, and results continue to improve over time.

To find out if you’re a candidate for ketamine therapy for anxiety, call Lighthouse Wellness Center.