PTSD Specialist

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a behavioral condition that occurs after a traumatic or frightening event, like a natural disaster, a car accident, or a crime. If you have PTSD, you might experience flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks that interfere with your daily routine.

There’s no cure for PTSD, but thanks to advanced treatments, like ketamine infusion therapy, it’s possible to reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Recurrent or distressing memories of a traumatic event
• Upsetting dreams or nightmares
• Having flashbacks of the event
• Severe emotional distress
• Negative thoughts about yourself and others
• Hopelessness about the future

As the condition worsens, you might also experience relationship problems or lose interest in activities you used to enjoy.

When should I seek treatment for PTSD?

If you experience a traumatic event, like a car accident or a natural disaster, and it triggers intrusive thoughts or negative feelings that last for a month or longer, make an appointment with Dr. Madani. It may also be beneficial to discuss treatment if your symptoms keep you from work or spending time with your loved ones.

How is PTSD treated?

Dr. Madani uses ketamine infusion therapy to treat PTSD. Ketamine infusion is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 60-90 minutes. If necessary, Dr. Madani can even provide treatment at your psychotherapist’s office as a complement to counseling.

If you undergo ketamine infusion therapy at the office, you can sit back and relax in a comfortable massage chair. Dr. Madani then connects you to an intravenous drip that feeds ketamine –– a dissociative anesthetic –– into your bloodstream.

As the ketamine enters your body, it increases the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in your brain. The increased glutamate activity repairs damaged synapses, relieving the symptoms of certain behavioral conditions, including PTSD. 

To ensure your comfort throughout treatment, Dr. Madani offers an eye mask and soft blankets. You can take a nap, watch TV, or listen to music as you receive the drip. After the infusion session finishes, Dr. Madani moves you to a recovery room for observation. Ketamine takes several hours to wear off, so it’s important someone else drives you home.

How many ketamine infusion treatments will I need?

The number of ketamine infusion treatments you need depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Usually, Dr. Madani recommends a one-hour personalized infusion to relieve your symptoms, followed by four or five maintenance visits over three weeks. 

Everyone reacts differently to the treatment, so Dr. Madani makes adjustments as necessary.

To learn more about treatment for PTSD with ketamine infusion therapy, make an appointment at Vivifica Ketamine and IV Hydration Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.