Every individual experiences anxiety! At times it may get out of control, and it is then we realize that a problem exists. The ability to handle oneself and day-to-day functioning are significantly impacted by severe anxiety. Some common symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, excessive sweating, heart racing, shivering, and stomach aches.
As mental health awareness is at its peak, the anxiety issue has been addressed by many psychiatrists and psychologists. The widespread has led to the development of various treatment options known to reduce anxiety. The not-so-old alternative, which is effective even today, is ketamine therapy. Professionals are increasingly adapting the ketamine method and conducting them in both clinical settings and home setups. As published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, ketamine therapy at-home is much preferred because of its impact and accessibility.
Recent studies also conclude that this therapy not just works with anxiety but also helps with depression, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions. But how does ketamine therapy work? What exactly does the treatment involve? Well, we will answer that all! Below is a closer examination of how ketamine treatment works and its benefits.
Functioning Of Ketamine Therapy
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Dr. Bowarshi, a psychiatrist, claims that ketamine rapidly boosts glutamate action in the brain. One of the signaling molecules in the brain is glutamate, which is crucial for learning, memory, mood, and accustoming to situations. The aid helps here by boosting neuroplasticity, thereby correcting cognitive distortions and establishing fresh neural connections. When a disturbing thought pattern decreases, the symptoms of anxiety automatically go down!
Types Of Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine, which was hitherto only utilized as an anesthetic, is becoming more popular as a viable therapy for depression and suicidal thoughts in therapeutic setups. With more research into this field, this treatment method has gone through various advancements and is available in four types:
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Intravenous (IV) Infusion
Like glucose drips, ketamine is infused into the body through IV for steady circulation. A medical facility or clinic atmosphere is appropriate for this. It cannot be done at home.
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Injections Or Shots
Have you ever been injected in your arm or thigh? This type of treatment is similar. Ketamine is infused into the largest muscle with an injection.
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Tablets
An oral tablet is a viable alternative if you are looking for an at-home aid. A tablet is placed beneath the tongue, where it slowly dissolves. This kind of care is typically considered less potent than other types since it takes more time for your body to take in it. It is also used for maintenance in intervals between shots.
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Nasal Spray
Many health care professionals recommend nasal spray in the initial phase of medical care. It is very mild and is used only twice a week. Potential side effects and effectiveness of the medical care are studied with this type.
Researchers suggest that the above two methods are standard and fast because they readily absorb into the bloodstream. The symptoms reside quickly with them.
Benefits Of Ketamine Therapy
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Worries and apprehensions can haywire the entire body, but ketamine can bring that lost joy back to life. By far, this medical care has shown promising results for humans struggling with uneasiness and worry. Below are some exciting benefits of this therapy for anxiety.
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Faster Onset And Offset
One of the essential advantages of this treatment for anxiety is its quick beginning of the action. It can relieve anxiety symptoms within hours after injection, unlike conventional drugs, which might take weeks or months to work.
Less adverse effects: Ketamine treatment has fewer side effects than other types of drugs. It can make those who struggle with anxiety feel more at ease and certain about their care.
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Improved Day-to-day Functioning And Mood
Ketamine treatment has been demonstrated to increase general mood and attitude and lower anxiety symptoms. It can make people feel happier and more upbeat about their life. Hence, this, in turn, also improves everyday functioning.
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Durability
With a single treatment, the advantages of ketamine therapy for anxiety might last for many weeks or months. Those who struggle with severe and chronic anxiety may benefit from this since their symptoms will last longer.
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Decreased symptoms
Research has shown that ketamine treatment helps lower anxiety symptoms, including dread, concern, and panic. People may feel more in charge of their feelings and less overpowered by them as a result of this.
Benefits Of Ketamine in Treating Anxiety Disorders
Source: curatedmentalhealth.com
The role of ketamine with glutamate has been explained above. This activity has led to various miracles in reducing anxiety and treating several anxiety-related disorders. A review study conducted in 2021 has concluded ketamine is a safe drug that treats anxiety disorders.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is the most common anxiety disorder in which a person is in constant worry with prevalent symptoms. High blood pressure also goes hand in hand with this. The benefit of the drug in GAD was noticed in a 2022 study that found that a single shot has significantly reduced irritability and panic associated with uneasiness.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is mainly to do with intrusive thoughts and behaviors. A clinical paper recently published how they compared the effect of ketamine on OCD with a placebo. The sample with treatment showed a significant improvement in the OCD symptoms, and the relief remained for many weeks.
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Fears And Phobias
Excessive fear or phobia stems from anxiety. A small study examined the pre and post-effects of injections and found that individuals with a high level of phobia could escape the symptoms when injected compared to the earlier situation.
Bottomline
Further study is required to completely comprehend the advantages and restrictions of ketamine therapy because it is still a relatively new approach. Early research and anecdotal data, however, indicate that it may have the potential to be a successful and well-tolerated therapy for anxiety.
The benefits and the way it helps people clearly indicate the magnificent work of ketamine. If you are struggling with anxiety, you must try this approach. Just make sure to get it done by an expert!
