How Ketamine Can Help Those Struggling With PTSD

The involuntary and vivid re-living of traumatic events in the form of flashbacks represent a widely recognized and acute characteristic of living with PTSD. Furthermore, the intensity of these recollections can sometimes present a barrier in our ability to heal and move past the trauma from which we so desperately seek relief.

While traditional therapies, including psychotherapy and medications, can be beneficial for many, some individuals continue to experience symptoms that feel resistant to improvement. Ketamine therapy has emerged as an alternative PTSD treatment that may support trauma recovery by providing rapid relief of symptoms, as well as influencing key neural pathways in the brain.

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by its intense and prolonged emotional or psychological response to having experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

Although PTSD is often associated with the lived trauma of military veterans, its debilitating effects can impact anyone who has been subject to distressing or life-threatening circumstances.

Trauma exposure itself is not directly linked to the development of PTSD. However, the expression of this disorder occurs when an individual’s brain fails to disengage from a hypervigilant state. This chronic arousal is tied to the disruptive effects that traumatic events can have on the normal functioning of an individual’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

This complex hormonal system is integral to regulating the body’s stress responses, and when disrupted, can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Those living with PTSD may experience heightened anxiety, irritability, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviours related to trauma cues, as well as intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.

Studies have indicated that early intervention, as well as a multi-faceted treatment approach, may support trauma recovery for people living with PTSD.

How Ketamine Therapy Supports PTSD Treatment

Originally utilized in the 1970s for its anesthetic and analgesic qualities, the exploration of ketamine as a potential alternative in the treatment of depression emerged in the 1990s upon being classed as an investigational drug.

Typically administered as a nasal spray or via intravenous infusion, ketamine has begun to show promise as a fast-acting and non-invasive option in the treatment of severe depression, as well as other mental disorders.

While large doses reduce pain sensitivity and can promote relaxation, studies have suggested that small doses of ketamine may provide rapid relief of symptoms by blocking NMDA receptors, increasing the production of glutamate. This neurotransmitter is essential in the formation of new neural connections, which research suggests may be impacted in the wake of trauma-related events.

Moreover, ketamine therapy may also enhance an individual’s ability to engage in traditional treatment options. Traditional approaches typically prioritize exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), in conjunction with anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications. Whereas conventional medications may take 4–8 weeks to see effects, ketamine therapy allows for the potential relief of PTSD symptoms measured in hours and days.

Although research continues to be explored regarding ketamine’s effectiveness in supporting complex mental health conditions, ketamine therapy offers some preliminary hope for those with treatment-resistant PTSD.

The Science Behind Ketamine and PTSD

Research suggests that ketamine may enhance the brain’s ability to modify traumatic memories through the process of memory re-consolidation. This is highlighted in exposure therapy, where an individual is exposed to cues and circumstances related to their trauma within a safe and controlled environment.

In PTSD, when these memories are recalled, they often resurface harbouring the same intensity as the initial event. It is hypothesized that ketamine appears to be distinct in that it capitalizes on the temporary flexibility and capacity for modification that recalled memories hold. Administering ketamine during this critical window provides an opportunity for talk-based therapy to edit the information surrounding the traumatic event. The subsequent emotional processing and new perspectives can work to minimize the existing fear response.

It is thought that ketamine infusion therapy, when paired with talk therapy, may help individuals process their traumatic memories more effectively by reducing the emotional intensity experienced during recall.

Additionally, the surge of glutamate released during ketamine therapy allows for regrowth and regeneration in brain regions impacted by trauma. This can calm the HPA axis, as well as reduce chronic inflammation and anxiety associated with trauma and contribute to PTSD relief.

In addition to blocking NMDA receptors in the brain—alleviating symptoms like avoidance, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts—some theories suggest that ketamine may also increase the production of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in both regulating mood and the brain’s stress response.

Although promising, ketamine therapy remains experimental and responses vary between individuals.

What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Learning about the rationale and science behind treatment modalities can provide clarity and new insights, but it doesn’t prepare you for the experience itself. At Ketamine Therapy Clinic, we believe that knowing what to expect is imperative for a safe and comfortable experience.

Prior to treatment, you will undergo an initial consultation with an expert psychiatrist to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for you. This includes a comprehensive review of your psychiatric and medical history, allowing for a personalized and informed treatment approach.

Once eligibility is determined, you’ll be brought to one of our private rooms to participate in the ketamine infusion process. During this time, ketamine is delivered intravenously, with each session usually lasting 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. Infusions are typically received over several weeks with a specific duration and frequency dependent on your unique needs, symptom history, and response to treatment. However, treatment plans often begin with a set of six infusions.

All infusion sessions are conducted in a controlled clinical setting and administered by an anesthesiologist. The delivery of carefully controlled doses places your safety at the forefront of your treatment experience, allowing for real-time modifications and monitoring of vitals. This is particularly important in the event of emotional reactions or temporary side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision.

Throughout the treatment process, you will remain conscious but may experience a feeling of mild dissociation. This experience of calm has often been found to encourage deeper engagement within the therapeutic process.

Why Choose Ketamine Therapy Clinic for PTSD Treatment

Selecting a clinic with experienced medical oversight is an important part of trauma recovery. As such, our Toronto clinic is staffed by an all-physician team, approved and regulated by the College of Physicians.

Our highly trained medical professionals administer ketamine intravenously in a safe and controlled environment, monitoring your safety and comfort throughout the entire process. Furthermore, personalized ketamine treatment plans ensure that each dose is carefully customized and adjusted in real time to support individualized care.

To enhance patient outcomes, Ketamine Therapy Clinic offers psychotherapy alongside ketamine treatment. Our team of compassionate and client-centred psychotherapists are covered by OHIP and committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for healing to take place.

Taking the Next Step in PTSD Treatment

The experience of PTSD can be debilitating, especially when traditional treatment approaches haven’t provided the relief necessary for a life free from chronic overwhelm. Ketamine infusions for PTSD may provide that relief, allowing a rapid reduction in symptoms that can be further enhanced with psychotherapy practices.

If you are considering ketamine therapy as a PTSD treatment, or simply wish to learn more, we encourage you to consult with our team of physicians to determine whether this approach is appropriate for you. Reach out to Ketamine Therapy Clinic today at (647) 259-7740, email us at admin@ketaminetherapyclinic.ca, or contact us online.