PTSD Q&A

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that generally starts after a devastating or highly stressful event, such as:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Violence
• Sexual assault
• Death of a loved one
• Auto or other types of accidents

The symptoms of PTSD can begin right away, or it can take months or years to appear. Many people with PTSD experience flashbacks of the event or have disturbing nightmares about their experience.

You might also develop depression, anxiety, and difficulty keeping up with your usual responsibilities because of PTSD. You may begin avoiding certain places or people because of the condition.

Many people with PTSD are at increased risk for drug and alcohol addiction because they misuse these substances to mask the anxieties and other symptoms common with PTSD. Without treatment, you may also be at a higher risk for self-harm or suicide because of the severity of your PTSD symptoms.

When should I schedule a consultation for PTSD?

If you’re currently taking antidepressants or other medications that aren’t working to relieve your PTSD symptoms, you should schedule a consultation at Lighthouse Wellness Center.

Dr. Ferrer also recommends booking an evaluation if you have symptoms of PTSD that are getting worse even with your current therapy. He can review your medical history and existing health to determine if ketamine therapy is likely to work well for you.

How does ketamine therapy treat PTSD?

Ketamine is an anesthetic traditionally used to sedate people for surgery. In lower doses, however, ketamine can treat PTSD and other mood disorders, as well as chronic pain.

Dr. Ferrer delivers infusions of ketamine into an intravenous (IV) line directly into your bloodstream. The medication works directly on your brain by creating new neural connections and improving the levels of glutamate, the most abundant neurotransmitter in your brain.

The effects of ketamine can provide long-lasting relief from your PTSD symptoms and help you enjoy an improved mood in less time than traditional antidepressants. To get the full benefits of your treatment, Dr. Ferrer generally recommends a series of infusions over the course of several days.

The side effects of ketamine therapy are minimal and typically resolve on their own soon after your treatment is over. These side effects might include dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, and a temporary feeling of detachment from your body.

Dr. Ferrer continues to monitor your progress with ketamine therapy. He might suggest maintenance infusions in the months after your initial treatment to help you maintain control over your PTSD symptoms.

Find out how ketamine therapy can treat PTSD by calling Lighthouse Wellness Center.