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How Ketamine Therapy Can Provide PTSD Symptom Relief

Writer's picture: Daydream MD Daydream MD


A man suffering from PTSD symptoms

PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—doesn’t just affect your mental health; it can take over your whole life. Millions of people live with it every day, and it’s especially common among veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. In the U.S., about 6% of people will experience PTSD at some point, with women being twice as likely as men to be affected.

For some, therapy or medication can help, but others find that those options aren’t sufficient. That’s where ketamine therapy steps in. It’s a game-changing treatment that offers fast relief and real hope for recovery. 


Let’s talk about what PTSD is and how innovative treatments like ketamine are making a difference.


What is PTSD? 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It often brings symptoms like intrusive memories, emotional numbness, heightened anxiety, and difficulty managing daily life.


To better understand PTSD, it helps to break down the symptoms into four main categories:


  • Intrusion Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intense distress triggered by trauma reminders.

  • Avoidance Symptoms: Steering clear of triggers or feeling emotionally numb.

  • Negative Thoughts and Mood Changes: Persistent guilt, negative beliefs, or detachment from loved ones.

  • Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms: Hypervigilance, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.


These symptoms can swing from barely noticeable to completely overwhelming, often shaking the foundation of daily life, straining relationships, and taking a toll on overall well-being. Left untreated, they can intensify over time, which is why seeking support early is so crucial for reclaiming balance and peace.


Diagnosing PTSD

Getting a PTSD diagnosis isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about understanding the full impact of trauma on your life. A mental health professional will dive deep, using clinical interviews, the DSM-5 criteria, and specialized tools to get the full picture. 


The tricky part? PTSD often flies under the radar. Many people don’t connect their symptoms to past trauma, leading to misdiagnosis or missed opportunities for help. 


Untreated PTSD can cause emotional distress, cognitive impairments, and physical health problems, affecting relationships and daily life. Early intervention and innovative treatments offer hope for true healing and resilience.


Is PTSD curable? 

The good news is that while PTSD has traditionally been viewed as incurable, it is highly treatable. Thanks to cutting-edge mind-body therapies, individuals are moving beyond simply managing symptoms—they’re embracing a renewed sense of vitality and purpose. 


Early diagnosis is key to unlocking these transformative treatments and reclaiming your life.


PTSD Treatments

For years, PTSD treatments have leaned on therapy and medications. Techniques like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have helped many people unpack their trauma and find relief. 


But here’s the thing: they often leave a crucial part of the story untold—somatic trauma. That’s the physical imprint trauma leaves behind in the body, tucked away in the nervous system, only to pop up again when you least expect it.


Medications like SSRIs—think sertraline or paroxetine—have their place too, but they’re not a universal solution. They don’t work for everyone, and side effects can make them more trouble than they’re worth. 


This is where ketamine therapy changes the game. If you’ve felt stuck or let down by the usual options, ketamine offers a fresh start—one that tackles both the mental and physical sides of trauma, giving you a real chance to reclaim your life.


Ketamine Therapy: A Breakthrough for PTSD Treatment

Ketamine therapy is shaking up the world of mental health treatment, offering a fast-acting solution for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Once known primarily as an anesthetic developed in the 1960s, ketamine is now earning praise for its ability to provide rapid relief, especially for those who’ve hit a wall with traditional treatments.


So, what sets ketamine apart? Unlike conventional antidepressants that can take weeks (or even months) to kick in, ketamine often works within hours or days. For those grappling with severe symptoms, treatment-resistant depression, or acute suicidal thoughts, this speed can be life-changing—offering not just hope, but relief when it’s needed most.


What is Ketamine Therapy?

The ketamine therapy process takes a fresh approach to healing PTSD by targeting the glutamate system, a key player in brain function and emotional balance. Think of glutamate as the brain’s “messenger,” helping neurons stay connected. PTSD disrupts this connection, but ketamine restores it, boosting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and heal after trauma.


It also calms the overactive amygdala, often called the brain’s “fear center.” For those with PTSD, this area is constantly on high alert. Ketamine dials it down, reducing hypervigilance, racing thoughts, and emotional overload.


In short, ketamine acts like a reset button for the brain, helping it rebuild healthier pathways and find balance, making recovery from PTSD feel achievable.


Ketamine Treatment for PTSD

Ketamine stands out as a treatment for PTSD because it works quickly and addresses the core challenges that make healing feel out of reach. 


Let’s break down the benefits of ketamine treatments:

  • Quick Results: No more waiting around. Many people notice a difference within hours—fewer intrusive thoughts, less hypervigilance, and more peace of mind.

  • An Emotional Reset: Ketamine helps take the edge off, easing irritability and emotional numbness so you can feel like yourself again.

  • Sleep You’ve Been Missing: If PTSD has stolen your rest, ketamine can help calm the overdrive and bring back deeper, better sleep.

  • Trauma Without Overwhelm: Its dissociative effects make it easier to explore and process trauma without being stuck in the emotional flood, helping therapy actually feel doable.


Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy at Daydream MD is a powerful option for those struggling with PTSD. It’s especially helpful if:

  • You haven’t had success with traditional treatments like therapy or medication.

  • You’re dealing with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms.

  • You’re managing additional challenges like depression or chronic pain.

  • You need quick relief from acute distress, like suicidal thoughts.


That said, ketamine isn’t for everyone. At Daydream MD, we carefully assess your medical history to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate. 

Certain conditions, like uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of psychosis, may require alternative options, and our team will guide you toward the best path for your needs.


How Do I Qualify for Ketamine Therapy?

Before starting treatment at Daydream MD, we conduct a thorough screening process to ensure safety and suitability, which includes:

  1. Medical Evaluation: We review your medical history to rule out conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe liver dysfunction.

  2. Psychiatric Assessment: Our mental health professionals assess your PTSD symptoms, their severity, and your treatment history.

  3. Treatment Goals: Together, we’ll establish clear goals to align therapy with your recovery needs.


What Happens During a Ketamine Therapy Session?

Ketamine therapy with Daydream MD takes place in a calm, supportive environment. Whether it’s IV infusions, IM injections, or nasal spray, the treatment is tailored to fit your unique needs. Sessions typically last about 40–60 minutes, and you’ll be carefully monitored throughout to ensure your safety and comfort. 


Ketamine therapy typically involves:

  • Pre-Treatment Evaluation: A personalized treatment plan is created.

  • The Session: Administered via IV, IM, or nasal spray, sessions last 40–60 minutes. Patients often feel calm or introspective, and effects subside within an hour.

  • Post-Treatment Integration: Follow-up sessions help process insights and reinforce 


Can Ketamine Be Combined with Therapy?

Yes, ketamine-assisted therapy is possible. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines ketamine treatment with therapy to maximize results. Ketamine reduces emotional barriers, fosters neuroplasticity, and helps patients engage more deeply in therapy sessions.



A New Path to PTSD Recovery

At Daydream MD, serving the San Diego, CA region with in-person services, as well as virtually with online therapeutic services, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. From your first consultation to post-treatment follow-ups, our team provides a safe, compassionate environment where your recovery and goals come first.


Ketamine therapy is a powerful option for tackling PTSD, especially if traditional treatments haven’t worked. It offers quick relief and lasting benefits, giving you a real chance to heal and take back control of your life.


If you’re ready to explore how ketamine therapy can help, contact us here at Daydream MD today. Let’s take the first step together toward healing, transformation, and a brighter future.

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