How Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Can Help with Anxiety

Most people have at least heard of ketamine, but it’s gotten somewhat of a negative reputation as a “street drug” that you might not have considered it as an effective tool for managing anxiety.

Ketamine was originally used starting in the 1960s as a type of anesthetic. It has strong pain-reducing properties and can help people relax into a sedated state.

So, it should come as no surprise that when used correctly, ketamine can help to calm the effects of anxiety.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is growing in popularity, especially with experts in the field who have considered it an effective alternative to traditional anxiety treatments. Let’s take a closer look at what this type of therapy is and how it can help if you’ve been dealing with anxiety.

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

Glutamate is an important messenger within the brain. It’s responsible for everything from memory and learning to mood regulation. An imbalance of glutamate in the brain can contribute to anxiety.

Glutamate also helps you adapt to changes. This kind of “neuroplasticity” makes it easier for you to go with the flow and accept life changes as they come. Again, when glutamate levels are imbalanced, you might become more anxious as you find it hard to deal with changes.

Ketamine helps by increasing your glutamine levels, which can improve your mood and increase your brain’s neuroplasticity. In essence, it re-wires the brain and develops new neuropathways. These pathways can put a stop to negative self-talk and anxious thoughts while allowing you to replace them with new, positive ones.

Why Choose Ketamine?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. As such, there are countless treatments available to help with it. Many of those treatments include prescription medications, and while those work very well for some people, they aren’t for everyone.

Some people simply don’t want to take certain medications. Others might be willing to have a prescription, but they don’t find that the medication does much to help.

Ketamine works so well because it specifically targets glutamate, while most other anxiety medications focus on boosting serotonin levels first. Because ketamine boosts glutamate, you might be more likely to see results faster.

Are There Risks Involved?

There is ongoing research when it comes to the benefits and effectiveness of ketamine for anxiety. However, it’s important to note that, as with any alternative treatment, there are some potential risks.

Some brief side effects can include dizziness, tiredness after treatment, or feeling dissociated for a while. Some people might experience nausea or vomiting, while others might develop a headache.

This is why it’s so important to work with a therapist who is experienced in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

What to Expect

Ketamine can be taken in several ways, including through an IV or even via a nasal spray. Although more research needs to be done, the studies that have already been completed have shown that no matter which way you choose to take ketamine, it’s most effective when combined with therapy.

Like almost any other drug for anxiety, ketamine can help with symptoms, but it’s still important to get to the heart of the matter. Talking with a mental health professional can help you understand where your anxiety is coming from. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step in your healing journey. Ketamine can help you to feel more relaxed and in a better mood as you take those steps.

Because ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is considered an alternative treatment to anxiety, it’s normal to have questions. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up a consultation for anxiety treatment, and we’ll cover any questions or concerns you might have.