Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962, and soon after its development, it was approved by the FDA, primarily as a general anesthetic in surgical settings. However, since then, ketamine therapy has made a name for itself as an innovative and effective treatment option for a wide variety of mental and physical conditions.
Ketamine works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate and modulating the activity of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This modulation of neurotransmitter activity leads to a dissociative state in which pain perception, sensory awareness, and emotion are reduced but still present. While ketamine may be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, it should only be done in a controlled clinical setting.
5 Applications of Ketamine Therapy
At New Horizon Infusion Clinics, our medical professionals are trained to provide the highest level of care, ensuring patient safety and comfort during ketamine treatment sessions. Our experienced medical professionals can help you determine if ketamine therapy is right for you and assist you in knowing what to expect during your sessions. There are several conditions that qualify for ketamine therapy in Florida, but the following outline five of the most popular medical applications:
1. Anxiety
Unlike traditional anti-anxiety medications, which can take several weeks to take effect, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid and significant reductions in anxiety symptoms within a few hours of administration. This makes it a valuable therapy for those suffering from acute anxiety or panic attacks.
2. Depression
According to 2021 data, nearly 280 million people have depression globally, making it one of the most common mental disorders. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can profoundly impact a person’s life. This mental health condition may lead to a reduced quality of life, decreased ability to work and participate in daily activities, and in some cases, thoughts of suicide. Unfortunately, despite the availability of various medications and therapies, many people with depression do not respond to traditional treatments.
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment option for depression, with numerous studies showing its ability to quickly reduce depression symptoms. In many cases, ketamine has been shown to produce significant improvements in mood within a few hours of administration and may last for several days to weeks. While the exact reason behind ketamine’s effectiveness in treating depression is still not fully understood, one possibility is that it promotes the regeneration of brain cells that regulate mood.
3. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people, places, or objects that are reminders of the trauma, adverse changes in mood and thinking, and increased anxiety and depression.
Ketamine therapy for treating PTSD has shown promising results. It works by rapidly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, including those associated with PTSD. While further research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of ketamine therapy for PTSD, many patients report significant improvement in their symptoms and a reduction in the need for traditional PTSD treatments such as medication and talk therapy.
4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts. These compulsions are performed in an attempt to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions, but ultimately end up interfering with daily life. Ketamine therapy has been explored as a potential treatment for OCD, with one study showing it to be effective in reducing symptoms in as little as ten minutes. Moreover, this study found that patients who underwent ketamine therapy were able to find lasting relief from their symptoms for an entire week after receiving treatment.
5. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This may lead to muscle weakness, movement loss, and respiratory failure. Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but medications and therapies can help to slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
The FDA approved ketamine trials for ALS treatment in 2022. The trials aim to assess its effectiveness in addressing high levels of glutamate in the brain and spinal cord of ALS patients, which activate nerve cells and are toxic. The mechanism of ketamine in treating ALS is related to its effects on NMDA receptors and balancing D-serine and dopamine levels. Therefore, ketamine therapy can potentially reduce neurological damage and improve the quality of life in patients with ALS.
Hope is on the Horizon with Ketamine Therapy
In addition to the above uses for ketamine, there are many other medical conditions that may benefit from ketamine therapy. A comprehensive list of conditions that ketamine therapy may treat can be found by clicking here. If you think you may benefit from ketamine therapy and are looking to explore a new form of treatment, New Horizon Infusion Clinics is here to help.
We provide high-quality care in a comfortable, private setting and offer the most advanced ketamine therapy available. Contact us today to learn more about what ketamine therapy can do for you and take the first step on your journey toward improved health.