Ketamine Infusion Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD

Ketamine and PTSD

The National Institute of Mental Health defines Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as “a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event”. The more extensive definition of PTSD, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, can be found here. PTSD symptoms can include but are not limited to nightmares, flashbacks, frightening thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance of anything or anyone that serves as a reminder of the event. Symptoms usually show up within 3 months following the traumatizing event but can also begin years afterward. PTSD symptoms can disrupt a person’s life, interfering with his ability to maintain relationships and employment.

In 2008, The Journal of TRAUMA Injury, Infection, and Critical Care published research that suggested a correlation between ketamine and PTSD in burned service members. The researchers looked retrospectively at medications that were used in surgical procedures of burned service members, and they measured their PTSD symptoms. One hundred nineteen (119) soldiers had received low doses of ketamine during surgery, while 28 did not receive ketamine. The prevalence of PTSD was significantly lower for the soldiers who had received perioperative ketamine than for those who did not receive ketamine. You can find the journal article here:

The correlation between ketamine and posttraumatic stress disorder in burned service members.

NeuroMend Infusion Center is now offering ketamine infusion therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with PTSD and who have not found relief from their current treatment regimen. Our treatment protocol for PTSD is as follows: 2 infusions per week, over the course of 4 weeks. Within this time frame, our team will work with you to monitor the efficacy of the treatment, provide you with support, and collaborate with your primary mental health provider to assist you in meeting your goals. Following your initial treatment, our mental health specialist will follow up with you and your primary mental health provider to monitor your depressive symptoms and determine your need for maintenance infusions.