ketamine for PTSD: how it works

Research has shown some promising data that ketamine infusions can improve symptoms of PTSD. Much of this came out of the serendipitous discovery that severely burned service members from Iraq and Afghanistan who received ketamine for pain control had fewer symptoms of PTSD than those who didn’t (McGhee et al, J of Trauma 2008).

Much more research needs to be done with regards to ketamine therapy, but this initial work is very promising. Of course, many patients with PTSD may also have co-existing depression and chronic pain conditions for which ketamine infusions may provide some benefit.

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.

Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes war veterans, children, and people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or many other serious events. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and genes may make some people more likely to develop PTSD than others.