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PTSD — or post-traumatic stress disorder — gained mainstream attention because of its association with military personnel. In fact, people once referred to it by other names, such as “combat fatigue” and “shell shock.”
But this condition can affect anyone, not just veterans.
Each year, approximately 3.5% of American adults experience PTSD. Estimates also show one in 11 people receiving a diagnosis of this disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, misinformation about this psychiatric disorder often keeps people from seeking the help they need. Its symptoms also make it challenging to treat.
Dr. Peter Mcallister and his team treat complex psychiatric and neurological disorders at Ki_Ketamine, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Do these symptoms sound familiar? It could be PTSD.
Understanding PTSD
To start, anyone can develop PTSD, even children. All it takes is experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Examples of traumatic events associated with PTSD include:
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Assault
- Accidents
- Bullying
- Combat exposure
- Severe illnesses and injury
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Natural disasters
When symptoms do arise, they can cause significant challenges in everyday life and even interfere with daily tasks. However, it can take months or years for symptoms to start.
Signs of PTSD
When a person displays PTSD symptoms, they typically fall into four different categories.
Intrusive memories
These symptoms typically include unwanted, repeated memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks. For many people, flashbacks can feel so real that it’s as if they’re experiencing the traumatic event all over again.
Avoidance
As you might suspect, these symptoms include avoiding any reminders that could trigger unwanted memories of the event — for example, people, places, things, or even activities and situations. It’s also common for people to avoid thinking, remembering, or talking about what happened or how they feel.
Changes in cognition and mood
When someone can’t remember important aspects of a traumatic event, it can trigger negative feelings, thoughts, and distorted beliefs. A person may think they’re “bad” or feel as though they can trust no one. Others may feel detached or unable to experience happiness or positive emotions. In severe cases, PTSD can also lead to suicidal thoughts.
Changes in arousal and reactivity
These symptoms typically range from irritability and angry outbursts to reckless or self-destructive behavior. Some people also become overly watchful or suspicious of their surroundings, easily startled, or have problems concentrating or sleeping.
But there’s good news. If you’re experiencing symptoms like this and you think you have PTSD, the right treatment plan can help.
Treating PTSD
PTSD symptoms can derail your life and make things feel out of control. But expert care can provide support, even if you haven’t found relief in the past.
Traditional approaches for handling PTSD often include trauma-focused talk therapy and medications. However, they can take time to work. And time is of the essence with PTSD, especially in severe cases. People with this condition are twice as likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
That’s why the Ki_Ketamine team relies on low-dose ketamine infusion therapy. Unlike other PTSD treatments, ketamine infusions can help regulate your nervous system. Specifically, the treatment targets certain receptors in the brain associated with memory, cognition, and emotional regulation.
This approach can reduce PTSD symptoms by 25% after a single session.
Treatment takes place under supervision, and you may enhance the relaxing experience even more by interacting with the Ki_Ketamine therapy dog.
Do you think you have PTSD? Contact us to schedule a consultation in Stamford or Westport, Connecticut, today.