According to the National Institutes of Health, Ketamine is by far the most versatile drug available in anesthesia and possibly in all of medicine. Designed over 50 years ago as an anesthetic, recent use of Ketamine in psychiatry and pain treatment has seen dramatic growth. Health care providers are increasingly turning to Ketamine infusions for treatment of depression, PTSD, chronic pain and OCD. While scientific evidence is still emerging, early results are showing hope for patients who have treatment-resistant disorders.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event. Periodic Ketamine infusions can help repair damaged connections in the brains of patients who suffer from PTSD. A Columbia University study found that Ketamine infusions given to those embarking upon an environment likely to cause significant stressors — such as soldiers entering a battle or aid workers going to a disaster area — prevented or reduced PTSD symptoms.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. Current antidepressant drugs require a minimum of several weeks before clinical benefit is apparent. On the other hand, the effects of Ketamine on depression are immediate and have shown to quickly counteract suicidal thoughts.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for 6 months or more. For many sufferers of chronic pain, prescription narcotics, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants fail to offer relief. Ketamine is emerging as a therapy for chronic migraines and neuropathic pain when these drugs do not adequately work.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated thoughts and urges that cause one to engage in ritualized, repeated behaviors.
Also in a 2013 study at Columbia University, patients reported dramatic decreases in their obsessive-compulsive symptoms midway through Ketamine infusions. The diminished symptoms lasted throughout the following week in half of the patients.
If you are suffering from a treatment-resistant disorder and are not finding the help you need, call D’Amore Healthcare today. We can help guide you to the plan of care for your condition.
D’Amore Healthcare is a dual diagnosis and substance abuse addiction treatment center in Orange County, CA.
Therefore, we provide information and treatment for people dealing with the life-shattering cycle of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction.
If someone needs immediate help, call 24-hours a day at 714.375.1110 or contact us online.
