In the strictest sense of the term, no, PTSD cannot be cured. PTSD is a mental health condition and most mental health conditions cannot be cured, although you can find relief from the symptoms with the treatments and lifestyle changes.
PTSD is a result of traumatic experiences, as well as biological and environmental factors. The symptoms are heavily debilitating and can last for months or even years at a time. The longer you wait to get treatment and support, whatever form they take, the harder it will be to combat your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD vary depending on a person’s temperament, their nervous system, and their biological tolerance for stress. In most cases, symptoms of PTSD develop in the days following the traumatic event, but in other cases take longer – even years – to appear.
Symptoms can be triggered by anything that reminds you of the event, but sometimes symptoms will appear seemingly out of nowhere as well.
PTSD symptoms can be categorized in four subtypes:
- Intrusive memories and unpleasant flashbacks to the traumatic event. This also includes intense reactions to things that remind you of your original trauma.
- Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the trauma, which includes difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma, a lack of of general interest, and a feeling of emotional numbness
- Hyperarousal: irritability, trouble sleeping, hypervigilance (which means being on “high alert” all the time), being easily started, angry outbursts, and self-destructive behavior like drinking too much or driving too fast
- Negative changes in thinking and behavior, including feeling alienated or alone, trouble concentrating and focusing, and memory problems, as well as feelings of depression, hopelessness, mistrust, guilt, or self-blame.
How do you get PTSD?
PTSD can be developed after witnessing or experiencing anything sufficiently traumatic, although the following factors may make you more likely to develop PTSD:
- Previously witnessing or experiencing traumatic events
- Stressful experiences
- A family history of PTSD or other mental health conditions
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- History of substance abuse
- Personal history of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Overall temperament and the way your brain responds to stress.
How do you recover from PTSD?
PTSD deeply affects your life. It can be unforgiving, but no matter what there is hope for relief from your symptoms. Hope can come in many forms: treatments both old and new like antidepressant medications, psychotherapy sessions, ketamine infusions, or general lifestyle changes like social support or supporting your physical health.
Ketamine for PTSD Treatment
Ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic and pain reliever, but in recent years is being used as a powerful and rapid-acting treatment for mental health conditions, such as PTSD.
Research seems to indicate that ketamine plays a role in the treatment of mood disorders through its interaction with the neurotransmitter known as glutamate. Glutamate is a powerful neurotransmitter that mediates the body’s response to stress and traumatic memories.
To learn more about ketamine and its use as PTSD treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation.