Generalized anxiety and social anxiety disorder can be debilitating to everyday life. Especially when traditional treatments don’t provide the relief that’s needed. Sadly, many who live with daily anxiety never find treatment that works to effectively reduce symptoms that impact everyday life. Fortunately, for these individuals, there are alternative methods of managing symptoms of chronic anxiety. And, one of these alternative methods includes ketamine infusion therapy.
Everyone deals with stress in their life. However, when stress leads to experiencing anxiety on a daily basis, it becomes debilitating. For those who experience levels of chronic anxiety, treatment may be effective in helping to reduce symptoms. However, anti-anxiety prescription medications may not work to reduce symptoms of anxiety for many people. This is because anti-anxiety medications do not work to increase glutamate levels in the brain. And, many individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders have a decrease in glutamate levels. Fortunately, ketamine infusion therapy can work to increase glutamate levels and help individuals who may not experience relief from traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Ketamine is an NMDA antagonist. This means it binds to receptors in the brain responsible for sending signals. However, when ketamine binds to these receptors, changes in the brain take place. One of these changes is an increase in glutamate levels.
Basically, the neurotransmitter glutamate is a component of the brain that strengthens the ability to form synapses which are responsible for healthy brain function. Many individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder have a decrease in glutamate. So, their brains respond by not producing enough serotonin for maintained mental health. But, when ketamine is administered, glutamate levels increase. And, so does proper synapse function and overall brain function. As a result, individuals who utilize ketamine infusion therapy in addition to traditional anti-anxiety medications may experience reduced symptoms of the disorder. And, have a better chance at maintaining a life of wellbeing and management.
Studies show that individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder who utilize ketamine infusion therapy experience a reduction in anxiety symptoms for up to seven days following treatment. And, that ketamine infusion therapy offers no serious side effects to individuals using it to treat anxiety disorders. Treatments include administering the ketamine into the bloodstream through IV mixed with saline solution. The treatment takes about 40 minutes and patients can expect to experience immediate results.
Looking for treatment alternatives to address anxiety? Ketamine infusion therapy may be the relief from anxiety you are seeking. If you’d like to speak with us about our therapy options, contact us through our website or call (925) 289-1430 today.