Ketamine For Veterans, Psychedelic PTSD Treatment

Many veterans who return from military service have to cope with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may experience a tough time readapting to life out of the military. They may feel constantly edgy, disconnected or emotionally numb, or close to exploding or panicking. However, it is important to know that they are not alone, and treatments are now available to address these problems.

Ketamine treatments are a safe, proven and effective solution to help address the symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, a number of self-help steps can be used by the patient to help them cope with flashbacks and nightmares, feelings of guilt, anxiety or depression, as well as restore their sense of control and overall mental health. Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles, led by Dr. Steven Mandel, provides ketamine for veterans in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, other cities in the region in Southern California.

Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans

PTSD symptoms vary between patients, but may be categorized into four clusters:

• Intrusive, recurrent reminders of the traumatic event, including flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing thoughts where the patient feels that the event is occurring again.
• Extreme avoidance of anything that triggers a reminder of the traumatic event, including thoughts, situations, people, and places that may be associated with bad memories.
• Negative changes in moods and thoughts, and persistent feelings of guilt, shame or fear. The patient may have diminished ability to experience positive emotions.
• Being edgy and emotionally reactive most of the time, as indicated by anger, irritability, careless behavior, sleep difficulties, concentration issues, and hyper vigilance.

Self-Help Tips

• Get moving and follow a regular exercise regimen.
• Pursue outdoor activities and get sun and fresh air
• Seek out local organizations for recreation opportunities
• Practice mindfulness breathing exercises
• Connect with others and communicate
• Join a PTSD support group
• Use relaxation techniques such as massage and meditation
• Seek professional treatment for PTSD such as therapy and medication
• Seek psychedelic PTSD treatment

Treatment with Ketamine Infusion Therapy

One of the most promising and effective treatment options now available for patients suffering from PTSD symptoms is ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine therapy has proved to be more effective than other alternatives and without the severe side effects typically associated with conventional therapies.  

Low doses of ketamine are infused intravenously at sub-anesthetic levels. This allows the provider to administer the treatment gradually over about an hour and the patient to have a smooth, safe, and comfortable experience while monitored by medical professionals. IV is the only proven route of administration and has the most favorable side effects profile, which includes minimal short term and no long term side effects.

One of the important benefits of ketamine infusion therapy is that if the patient shows a positive response to this treatment approach, the symptoms will begin to improve within hours to days rather than weeks to months as in case of other alternatives. Research studies have shown that just one low dose IV infusion of ketamine for about 40 minutes will lead to a quick reduction of PTSD symptoms.

Best results are achieved through six ketamine PTSD treatments received over two to three consecutive weeks. Dr. Mandel treats patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and nearby areas in Southern California for the treatment of PTSD symptoms.

For more information about ketamine for veterans, as well as treatments for depression, bipolar, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, pain syndromes and other conditions, contact Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles in Southern California by clicking here or calling 310-270-0625.