Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns globally, after depression. People may suffer from a wide range of debilitating anxiety disorders including phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety can be treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
Anxiety Sandy Springs treatment involves the use of ketamine the most popular mental health drug that can help alleviate symptoms.
An insight into ketamine
Ketamine is an FDA- approved drug that was initially used as a potent anesthetic (a numbing agent). Currently, there are a lot of research studies conducted to prove the efficiency of ketamine to treat several mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder to name a few.
Ketamine works by quickly increasing the activity of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is a chemical messenger within your brain that is a mood regulator, besides playing a role in memory and learning. It also supports your brain’s ability to adapt and change with every new experience. This in turn rewires your brain to create more positive thoughts and help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Mode of ketamine administration for anxiety
Ketamine is increasingly gaining popularity in treating anxiety and other mental health problems. It is most often administered intravenously (IV) through an IV infusion in your arm.
A customized dose of ketamine is delivered directly into your bloodstream with an infusion that lasts around 40 to 60 minutes. Thus, this is a fast-acting anxiety medication, unlike other drugs that take 4 to 6 weeks to start working.
Uses of ketamine
Ketamine is effective in treating the following problems:
- Anxiety
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal tendency
- Bipolar depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obstructive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
The process of ketamine therapy for anxiety
The procedure for IV ketamine therapy is as follows:
- Tiny needles are pricked into your arm vein to introduce the ketamine IV line.
- The needle is attached to the catheter that is connected to a bag of ketamine solution.
- Small doses of ketamine (lesser than anesthesia dose) are gradually delivered into your bloodstream over 40 to 60 minutes.
- You will remain awake throughout the procedure, but you may notice mild dissociative feelings.
- You are likely to experience mild dizziness and nausea that can be managed by your doctor.
- Ketamine should be administered 2 to 3 times per week for 2 to 3 weeks.
- You are supposed to follow an induction phase with a 6-treatment taper protocol over 6 to 12 weeks.
- The effect of ketamine typically lasts longer than a month.
Ketamine therapy when provided through IV infusion is fast acting and can help improve your anxiety symptoms when compared to other medications.
