Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Countless Americans experience traumatic episodes such as catastrophic events, accidents, active combat, and personal tragedies that can lead to long-term issues with stress. PTSD affects roughly six out of 100 American adults during their lifetimes, according to the National Center for PTSD. A relatively new way that Dr. Ashraf Hanna and his team at IV Ketamine in Clearwater, FL, can treat their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients is called IV ketamine therapy.

Symptoms of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a mental health condition that makes it difficult for patients to navigate life normally, including challenges at work, school, and in personal relationships. These are some of the most common symptoms of PTSD:

• Frequent flashbacks to a past traumatic event.
• Jumping at loud noises.
• Irritability and anger with loved ones and in public.
• Reckless or dangerous actions.
• Problems sleeping and concentrating.

PTSD Causes and Diagnosis

PTSD is diagnosed after a mental health consultation with a therapist. The most likely cause is the experience of a traumatic and memorable event from the past. For instance, patients who have been involved in war violence have memories that they can't erase. Patients who experienced extreme abuse, whether as a child or adult, are also often diagnosed with PTSD. In some cases, PTSD is diagnosed along with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Ketamine Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The traditional therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder is talk therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy. Some patients benefit from taking oral medications. However, a new treatment option called intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy may provide results for some Clearwater, FL, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that can improve how the brain processes signals when delivered in controlled amounts. It can inhibit the NMDA receptors that cause the symptoms of PTSD and other mental disorders.

Seek Treatment for Your PTSD Symptoms

Though PTSD patients often experience long-term effects and symptoms that are difficult to treat, some patients can benefit from newer forms of therapy. Contact Dr. Ashraf Hanna’s team at IV Ketamine in Clearwater, FL, to schedule a consultation about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) solutions by calling (727) 538-2646.