Ketamine has made headlines as a groundbreaking treatment for severe depression. But using ketamine for anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression and other mood disorders has generated positive results.
Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders , it is theorized, are disorders of neuronal connectivity. A ketamine infusion for anxiety works to regenerate these damaged synaptic connections, according to the prevailing theory, by triggering the brain to release the restorative neurotransmitter, glutamate. A single ketamine infusion is often enough to initiate the repair of synaptic damage caused by long-term anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
While anxiety and depression are both characterized by damaged neural pathways in the brain, the mental and physical manifestations of these two mood disorders vary:
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Feelings of sadness and hopelessness about what the future holds
Believing that nothing positive will occur now or in the future
Certainty that the future will only bring more sadness and negativity
Lack of energy, motivation and emotion; slowed thinking and behavior
Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Nervousness about the “what ifs” of the future
Believing that something could go terribly wrong
The urge to run away and avoid potentially devastating occurrences
Fight-or-flight response symptoms; shaking, sweating, or the sudden urge to run
Increased heart rate, digestive issues, and hyperventilation
In many instances, the symptoms of anxiety disorder can lead to depression. If you believe you are suffering from anxiety disorder, please call your primary care doctor or a qualified mental health professional and schedule an anxiety test.
OTHER TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY
Besides ketamine for anxiety disorder, other treatments for anxiety disorder include benzodiazepines, which work quickly but are highly addictive with potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, as well as buspirone and antidepressants, which must be taken for a few weeks before a patients’ symptoms might be alleviated.
Each individual requires a unique regimen of psychotherapy and medication to treat his or her symptoms. Your primary care doctor or psychotherapist will recommend treatment, ketamine infusions or other medications for anxiety based on your symptoms and medical history.
