Ketamine is well-known for its sedative and pain-relieving effects, later being used as a general anesthetic in the 1960s, but only recently have people started taking interest in it’s potential mental health applications, like with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Studies show that almost 50% of people with generalized anxiety disorder do not respond well to typical anti-anxiety medications. For those seeking more alternative options, ketamine for anxiety is a promising solution. Although ketamine is FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression, its use on anxiety disorders is still undergoing clinical trials. Regardless, ketamine for PTSD and anxiety is gaining traction with both patients and professionals due to the lack of effectiveness from standard treatments.

This article will describe the mechanisms of action of ketamine, how effective it is for anxiety, what different treatment options are available, and for those wishing to explore more innovative therapy options, how to locate ketamine treatments near me.

How Ketamine Works for Anxiety

Ketamine boosts levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood, memory, and learning, which increases two to three-fold within minutes. This process stimulates the phenomenon called neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. By further increasing neuroplasticity, in addition to replacing negative thought processes with constructive ones, ketamine helps 're-wire' the brain which results in alleviated anxiety symptoms.

Ketamine vs. Traditional Anti-Anxiety Medications

SSRIs and other conventional anti anxiety medications work by first reducing the levels of serotonin. Later, it works to indirectly impact glutamate but outcomes are usually noticed after two to six weeks of starting medication. These medications are practically ineffective for the patients looking for immediate results.

In contrast, ketamine affects the receptors of glutamate more directly, which translates to quicker outcomes. Dramatic relief from symptoms is reported hours after the session for some patients. Most research support the efficacy of ketamine therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) and offer hope to patients who rest unresponsive to conventional methods.

Different Approaches to Ketamine Therapy

There are multiple ways to administer ketamine therapy for anxiety and PTSD and these vary in efficiency and practicality:

• Intravenous Infusions: IV infusions are the most effective but also the most costly method of delivering ketamine through a controlled drip directly into the blood stream. IV infusions are always done under the supervision of a doctor.
• Intramuscular IM Injections: Consist of a single-dose injection performed in a clinical setting on a large muscle like the thigh or arm.
• Sublingual Tablets: These are dissolving tablets placed under the tongue, and are most effective for maintenance between an IV or IM treatment, but do not provide much relief.
• Nasal Spray (Esketamine/Spravato): This is a prescription nasal spray for treatment resistant depression and it can only be used under supervision in the hospital.

This group of IV infusions, Esketamine nasal spray, and IM injections are the most effective because they have the fastest rate of absorption, and the strongest therapeutic effect.

Effectiveness of Ketamine for Anxiety

Ketamine’s effect on depression has been widely studied, but its efficacy for anxiety is still developing. Nonetheless, initial research indicates that it can provide considerable relief for people experiencing anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD and Social Anxiety Disorder SAD

• In 2021 review, it was concluded that ketamine is potentially a safe and effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
• A 2022 study showed a single infusion of ketamine resulted in significant reductions in panic and irritability in people suffering from GAD and SAD and these effects lasted for up to two weeks.
• According to a 2017 study, 83% of people suffering from GAD and SAD reported experiencing alleviation in their anxiety symptoms within an hour of receiving ketamine.
•  A 2013 study analyzed hospice patients suffering from depression and anxiety and showed that oral ketamine improved symptomatology of anxiety significantly.
•  In yet another study from 2017, patients suffering from social anxiety disorder who were treated with ketamine infusions reported much greater positive change in their symptoms when compared to those who received placebo treatment.

Ketamine and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Since OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder, there have been studies looking into the effect of ketamine on obsessive compulsive symptoms.

In a studied performed on 15 participants suffering from persistent obsessive thoughts, it was found most patients had a significant reduction in symptoms one week after receiving the ketamine infusions.

Finding Ketamine Treatments Near Me

For anyone searching the term, Ketamine Treatments New Jersey, the first step should always be to contact a certified therapist who works in ketamine therapy. A good provider can guarantee safe treatment and optimal outcomes. If you wish to use ketamine for anxiety, consulting with a seasoned practitioner of medicine will likely help in deciding whether or not this is the right course of treatment for you.

Concluding Remarks

Ketamine therapy is an encouraging option for patients suffering from anxiety who find little relief in standard treatments. While providing rapid relief, it also influences glutamate levels and promotes neuroplasticity which helps in reprogramming negative anxiety associated thought patterns.

Although further studies are warranted, the limited scope of available data suggests this treatment option could be revolutionary in managing anxiety disorders. If you want to try ketamine therapy for PTSD or anxiety, contact a provider who can inform you about the procedures and your possible benefits.