PTSD

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that strikes people who have survived a traumatic or highly stressful experience. There are many different PTSD triggers, but some common ones are:

• Military combat
• Physical assault
• Sexual assault
• Natural disasters
• Terrorist attacks

PTSD can happen when you experience the event yourself or when you see it happen to others. About 6% of Americans experience PTSD at some point. 

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD causes symptoms in these areas.

Intrusive memories

Intrusive memories bring the event back to you in what feels like real-time. This can cause reactions like severe sweating or a racing heart.

Avoidance

People, places, activities, and situations may trigger your unwanted memories. It’s common to go out of your way to prevent any interaction with those triggers. 

Mood, cognitive, and belief changes

Many people feel guilty and believe they caused or somehow contributed to the event, or they may direct anger at others. These distorted feelings and beliefs may include detachment and an inability to feel happiness.

Arousal and reactivity changes

Many people with PTSD become startled easily and feel constantly edgy. They may be overly watchful of their environment and may have angry outbursts or unusually irritated reactions.

Alongside these symptoms, about 50% of people with PTSD have depression. 

What causes PTSD?

Psychological, biological, and social factors can all contribute to PTSD risk. PTSD doesn’t happen for just one reason, and not every person who encounters a traumatic event will develop PTSD. 

A history of abuse and a history of mental health struggles both raise your risk of developing PTSD. People who work in jobs where they’re exposed to traumatic situations frequently have an increased risk of PTSD. 

How is PTSD treated?

Treatment usually includes psychotherapy and oral medication. While about 60% of patients have some improvement with antidepressants, only 20-30% experience total symptom relief with that approach. 

If you don’t find PTSD relief with the medication route, intravenous (IV) ketamine could be right for you. Ketamine was once used exclusively as an anesthetic but is used today for PTSD and other mental disorders. 

It increases certain beneficial brain chemicals and also regenerates dormant brain connections to relieve symptoms very rapidly. In fact, studies show that ketamine can provide symptom relief within just 24 hours. 

Your ketamine sessions are always closely monitored to keep you safe. To learn more about PTSD treatments, call Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio or book your appointment online today.