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Difference between psychological physical addiction

Difference Between Psychological & Physical Addiction

While alcohol use may be benign for many, for others it can be a  serious condition that consumes their lives. Some people engage in risky behavior because the rush of adrenalin gives them a boost of energy. Regardless, people may experience psychological or physical addictions that can be harmful if ignored.

What is a psychological addiction?

Psychological addiction defines substance use disorder’s mental or emotional workings, like having intense cravings for the behavior or substance and the inability to think about anything else. The addiction piece refers explicitly to a brain disorder with a compulsive desire for substance use and ignoring potentially adverse outcomes. It’s a multifaceted condition wrapped in both psychological and physical elements that can be difficult to separate. It affects millions of people.

Psychological factors of addiction

Psychological addiction can be hard to identify. There could be a heightened desire to re-experience a substance or behavior, possibly influenced by psychological factors like stress or history of trauma, social factors (some on your family or friend circle uses a substance), and environmental factors, like access to a particular substance at a low cost, can result in regular use or exposure, combined with chronic use or exposure which could lead to brain changes.

Physical addiction

“Addiction—or compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences—is characterized by an inability to stop using a drug; failure to meet work, social, or family obligations; and, sometimes (depending on the drug), tolerance and withdrawal. The latter reflect physical dependence in which the body adapts to the drug, requiring more of it to achieve a certain effect (tolerance) and eliciting drug-specific physical or mental symptoms if drug use is abruptly ceased (withdrawal).” But it’s treatable.

The cost of addiction

The cost of addiction, psychological and physical, has terrible consequences for society. As a nation, Americans face loss of productivity and poor work performance, legal problems, and intervention and support from the medical community. It’s estimated that for all drug use, there’s an $820 billion price tag. There are consequences of a more personal nature: A disrupted career trajectory, fractured or completely severed personal relationships, lowered self-esteem, and the onset of mental health issues.

Difference Between Psychological & Physical Addiction

The difference between physical addiction versus psychological addiction is physical addiction affects your body, and psychological dependence influences your behavior.

Depending on what you were addicted to, it was previously surmised to be an addiction to one or the other. But in the real world, addiction features both physical and psychological components. Physical addiction features notions of tolerance and withdrawal. Psychological addiction is when you depend on the substance or the drugs of choice.

Physical dependence is characteristic of the long-term use of many drugs, even including many prescription medicines if used as instructed. Physical dependence by itself doesn’t constitute addiction, but it often pals along with addiction. This distinction can be hard to get, especially related to pain medications by your healthcare provider. The necessity for bigger dosages can signify tolerance or a steadily worsening underlying condition, rather than the beginning of substance use or addiction.

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, 21 million Americans suffer from addiction. The effects of drug and alcohol addiction are especially worrisome and may be the ones most easily recognized.

Effects of alcohol addiction:

  • Disrupts communication in the brain
  • Stroke
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreatic problems
  • Possibly cancer

Effects of drug addiction

  • Psychotic behavior
  • Seizures
  • Death due to overdose
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Impairment of ability to resist unwanted interactions with others
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Possible brain damage
  • Risk of communicable disease
  • Accidents
  • Problems at home, school, work
  • Legal troubles
  • Financial difficulties

But addictions can be treated.

Diagnosis & treatment

“Diagnosing drug addiction (substance use disorder) requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an assessment by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Blood, urine, or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they’re not diagnostic tests for addiction. However, these tests may be used for monitoring treatment and recovery.”

To diagnose substance use disorder, most mental healthcare professionals refer to criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Psychotherapy is a standard treatment for psychological and physical addiction, plus certain prescribed medicine, and ketamine infusion therapy.

Final thoughts

If you suffer from addiction, it’s important to remember that help’s available, and you and your life are worthy of health and productivity. Addiction can be hard to handle, but local and national organizations exist for that reason. Speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options, including ketamine therapy for substance abuse disorder. 

What does ptsd look like in veterans

What Does Ptsd Look Like In Veterans?

The after-effects of surviving a traumatic event can linger for years for some people, causing significant mental and physical health issues. If problems such as flashbacks, anger, irritability, weight loss, bad thoughts, or other problems linger, you may be suffering from one or more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ptsd And Veterans: Statistics

The number of Veterans with PTSD differs by service era:

  • Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: about 11-20 out of every 100 veterans (about 11-20 percent) who served in either have PTSD each year.
  • Gulf War: about 12 out of every 100 Gulf War veterans (or 12 percent) have PTSD each year.
  • Vietnam War: “It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.”

What Does Ptsd Look Like In Veterans?

PTSD is common for veterans but manifests itself differently for each one experiencing it. Some veterans struggle with the “classic” symptoms of the disorder quite often, such as avoidance, hyper-vigilance, and intrusive memories, while others only have mild symptoms occasionally. Still, what does PTSD look like in veterans?

  • PTSD symptoms affect and interfere with everyday life.
  • It can manifest as recurring nightmares.
  • Some veterans may have symptoms that are so regular that loved ones feel as if they’re walking on eggshells.

If you or someone you know suffers from PTSD, it’s best to get help right away and begin treatment. 

Common Symptoms

There are many symptoms of PTSD to watch for:

  • Re-experiencing symptoms like flashbacks.
  • Avoidance symptoms such as staying away from anyone or anything which acts as a reminder.
  • Arousal and reactivity symptoms like being easily startled.
  • Cognition and mood symptoms include memory problems, trouble thinking, distorted thoughts, and negative thoughts.

Helping Veterans Deal With Ptsd

Whether you’re a veteran suffering from PTSD or have a loved one struggling with the condition, there are steps that can be taken to help alleviate the disorder. Though many veterans choose treatments like ketamine to manage PTSD symptoms, there are other self-help methods worth considering:

  • Get regular exercise. Even 10- to 30- minutes of light exercise can help burn off adrenaline, but a more vigorous workout has greater benefits: releasing endorphins to improve your mood and helping your nervous system out of its collective “funk.” 
  • Try to regulate your nervous system. If you can regulate your diet and other aspects of your life, then working to soothe your nerves is worth the effort. This means adopting mindful breathing exercises, taking in soothing sights, sounds, and smells, and reconnecting emotionally by not giving in to bad thoughts or memories of the trauma.
  • Re-establish connections. This can be with friends and family, or just getting out and volunteering your time and expertise to a worthwhile cause, or joining a support group of people who understand what you’ve been through.
  • Take care of your physical well-being. Besides exercise, the effects of PTSD can possibly be lessened by trying different relaxation techniques, finding healthy ways to release stress (like hitting a pillow or punching bag), maintaining a healthy meal plan and enjoying foods rich in Omega-3s, getting a good night’s sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
  • Confront your fears from flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories by reciting a verbal script or making a statement to yourself that you’re safe, quietly describe to yourself what you’re seeing, and tap your arm or wrist to bring you back to the present. Movement, touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste can help “bring yourself back” from a nightmare or flashback.
  • Work through and recover from survivor’s guilt.

It may be in your best interest to seek professional help. A mental health specialist may diagnose your condition and recommend different kinds of therapy or medicine to control PTSD symptoms. You can find self-help and other resources through the National Center for PTSD, as well as here and here.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for PTSD follows the same course as many other mental illnesses and chronic pain disorders. If seeking help, you can expect to undergo a physical exam and lab tests to uncover potential causes; a psychiatric evaluation to determine your current state of mental health, and whether you have a personal or family history of mental illness. A doctor will then refer to the DSM-5 before offering a diagnosis and presenting treatment options.

Final Thoughts

PTSD is a serious mental health disorder affecting thousands of people in America and even more worldwide, but treatment options are available. If you suffer from PTSD, get help by talking with a mental healthcare professional about psychotherapy, self-help, support groups, or treatment options like ketamine to manage the symptoms.

Get help with crps near me

How To Deal With Chronic Pain Mentally

Chronic pain is a burden for millions of people regardless of age or gender. It’s a personal burden, harms personal relationships, and directly affects productivity. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, don’t know the cause or how to stop it, help is available.

Chronic Pain Definition

“While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself, chronic pain is different. Chronic pain persists. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years.” You could’ve had a mishap – sprained muscle, bad infection, or another cause for pain – arthritis, heart disease, but you could have chronic pain without any of those.

Chronic Pain Symptoms

If you have chronic pain, symptoms may include:

  • Moderate to severe pain that doesn’t go away as anticipated
  • Pain that can be labeled as aching, burning, electrical, or shooting 
  • Mild pain, discomfort, tightness, or stiffness

Chronic pain can affect nearly all segments of your life. Sleep cycle, activity, mood, and energy output can all be unsettled by pain. If you’re fatigued, depressed, out of shape, the pain can worsen and be harder to deal with.

The Cost Of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a huge burden in the U.S. on medical expenses, lost income and productivity, insurance payouts, and legal charges. But there are other consequences of chronic pain:

  • Lower back pain is a significant health problem resulting in limited activity amongst millions of adults.
  • Pain affects most people suffering from advanced cancer.
  • Arthritis pain affects more than 50 million Americans each year.
  • Chronic headaches routinely affect millions, including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.

How To Deal With Chronic Pain Mentally

When you suffer from pain – a sprained toe, skinned knee, cut finger, etc. – you often know the cause and how to treat it. The physical discomfort normally goes away, but if it persists and becomes chronic, you could suffer just as much mentally as physically. Chronic pain and mental health have a deep connection, and while some pain can be treated in a conventional manner, how do you deal with it mentally? It can be treated successfully. Here are some tips and strategies for dealing with chronic pain.

  • Manage stress levels. Mental and physical pain are knotted together, and lingering pain can result in higher stress levels. Learning to deal with stress in a healthy manner can help you cope more successfully with chronic pain. A balanced diet, regular sleep cycles, and exercise or other physical activity are positive means to handle stress and discomfort.
  • Talk to yourself fruitfully. Positive thinking can be a powerful tool against depression and chronic pain. Focus on small improvement rather than setting unrealistic goals or becoming preoccupied with perceived failures. 
  • Stay active and involved. Distraction is one way to fight chronic pain, even if it’s only short-term. It also allows you to focus on the positive facets of your life.
  • Join a support group. Finding a group of people who’ve experienced chronic pain and understand what you’re going through is powerful medicine. It means you’re not in this journey alone and can talk with someone who understands your highs and lows.
  • Deep breathing or meditation is widely regarded as a great way to help you relax, which may soothe the pain. Tension and stiffness ooze from muscles when they intercept a quiet message to relax, giving your body exactly what it needs.
  • Boost chronic pain relief with the natural endorphins from exercise. Endorphins are brain chemicals that help improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain-reducing effect – it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain.

Diagnosis & Treatment

In most cases, a medical doctor will diagnose chronic pain symptoms through different tests and diagnostic procedures. This may include an MRI, x-rays, other imaging tests, blood tests, bone density tests, and many others. As part of the diagnosis, you’ll be asked to provide as much detail about your pain as possible – frequency, triggers, intensity. If there aren’t any medical causes for the pain, you may need to see a mental health specialist for a psychiatric evaluation. 

In any case, your healthcare provider will then work to develop a treatment plan, which may include physical or psychotherapy or ketamine infusion.

Final Thoughts

Symptoms of chronic pain shouldn’t be ignored. Even if you think you have a high threshold for pain, chronic discomfort has a way of beating down even the strongest among us. Don’t wait until pain takes control. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find relief with our innovative chronic pain treatment.

When-to-see-a-doctor-about-crps

When To Speak Up About CRPS

You went in for what seemed to be routine surgery for a broken foot and the prognosis for recovery was good. But now, weeks later, you not only have trouble using your foot, but you’ve noticed swelling, changes in skin color and texture, and other problems. You may have CRPS.

What Is CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a brutally disabling condition that normally affects the limbs, after surgery or injury. The main symptoms are swelling, loss of range of motion, severe pain, temperature changes, and fluctuations in the skin. Although CRPS can happen anywhere in the body, it usually affects a leg, an arm, hand, or foot.

CRPS most often happens after a trauma, like an amputation or fracture. It can even happen after something minor, like a sprained ankle. In rare cases, CRPS will happen suddenly, without obvious cause. It’s more likely to happen during times of heightened emotional stress.

Who Does It Affect?

CRPS affects people of all ages, though it usually hits its high point around the age of 40. The condition rarely occurs in children and the elderly and happens more in females than males. According to three studies reported in Sage Journals, “the incidence risk of CRPS in adults is between 3.7% and 14% using the Budapest criteria, with an observation of lower rates in conservatively managed fractures.” Many symptoms are treatable with ketamine therapy.

Talk To Someone About Your Condition

If you suffer constant, severe pain that harms a limb and makes moving or touching that limb seems unbearable, you should see your doctor as quickly as possible. It’s critical to treat CRPS early. You also should speak up if you experience any of the following symptoms of CRPS:

  • Uninterrupted throbbing or burning pain, usually in your arm, hand, leg, or foot
  • Sensitivity to cold or touch
  • Swelling of the affected area
  • Variations in skin temperature — varying between cold and sweaty
  • Variations in skin color, changing from blotchy and white to red or blue
  • Changes in skin texture, with tenderness setting in; shiny or thin in the affected area
  • Changes in nail and hair growth
  • Joint stiffness, damage, and swelling
  • Muscle spasms, weakness, tremors, and loss (atrophy)
  • Reduced ability to move the involved body part

CRPS has three stages, each getting progressively worse. Many of these symptoms are treatable, including with innovative ketamine therapy.

Are There Any Complications?

CRPS can result in complications you should watch for:

  • Your bones, skin, and muscles may start to fade and weaken if you stop or have trouble moving because of stiffness or pain.
  • You also may experience tightening of your muscles, where hands, fingers, or toes contract into a fixed position.

What Are The Causes of CRPS?

It is believed that CRPS happens due to damage to the nervous system. It can happen if the nervous system crashes. In most cases, it is sparked by a trauma or injury including:

  • Fractures
  • Sprains/strains
  • Burns, bruises, or cuts
  • Surgery
  • Trivial procedures, like a needle stick

CPRS affects all ages and is more common in women. It peaks around age 40. It’s uncommon in children and infrequent in the elderly. Some studies indicate that the condition has an “incidence between 5.5 and 26.2 cases per 100,000 people per year. The variation may result from the use of different diagnostic criteria.”

Diagnosis

During an examination, a medical doctor will ask about medical history, the location and severity of the pain, and whether it happens at any time. Early on, before any symptoms develop, CRPS is difficult or impossible to diagnose. You may undergo X-Rays, bone scans, and electromyography and nerve conduction studies, and many others.

Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, CRPS can possibly be treated in many ways. Common methods include physical and occupational therapy, ketamine therapy, mirror therapy to trick your brain, desensitization, psychological therapy, and certain medications. Everyone responds differently, and your doctor may recommend more than one kind of treatment, though the decision is always yours.

Ketamine For CRPS

Decades of cutting-edge research with patients suffering a variety of conditions including CRPS have uncovered tantalizing clues that many symptoms – physical and psychological – can be managed with medicine that originated as anesthesia in the 1960s. Ketamine, tested on the battlefields of Vietnam to treat wounded U.S. soldiers, has found therapeutic uses beyond a pre-and post-operative setting and is now widely used to treat chronic regional pain syndrome, depression, bipolar, and other illnesses.

Final Thoughts

CRPS often happens after surgery and can be debilitating if its symptoms are left untreated. While your healthcare provider may recommend medicine and therapy, another possibility is a referral for ketamine therapy. This painless procedure is a possible option for your condition, especially if you suffer through symptoms when other treatment fails.

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RLS & Insomnia

You were recently diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, but now there’s something else to deal with – sleep problems. You may have the common sleep disorder insomnia, but symptoms of both conditions can be managed. Some people choose psychotherapy, while others pursue something newer: ketamine therapy.

What Is RLS?

“Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.  Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed.”  

Restless legs syndrome can happen during times of inactivity and make it hard to fall asleep “or return to sleep after waking up.”  

What Is Insomnia?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder. It may affect up to 30 percent of U.S. adults. If you have insomnia, you may have problems falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or a combination of both. Because of this potent mixture, people who experience insomnia may not only get too little sleep but have low-quality sleep as a result. And you might not feel rejuvenated when sleep is over.

What Causes RLS?

Frequently, there’s no discernible cause for RLS. Instead, people who study it often believe it could be triggered by an imbalance of a brain chemical, dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement. Like glutamate, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that transmits different signals throughout the human body. RLS often begins before age 40 and may run in families, which may be hereditary. Research also finds that women in their first pregnancy could also have insomnia.

What Leads To Insomnia?

Many things can trigger insomnia: environmental, physiological, and psychological factors, including life stressors; an unhealthy lifestyle and bad sleep habits; depression or anxiety disorders; chronic diseases or pain conditions; gastrointestinal trouble; hormones; neurological disorders; sleep disorders; and medications or other substances. “A growing body of research suggests your genes may also play a role in whether or not you experience insomnia. We explore the latest genetic research on insomnia and share tips for better sleep.”

RLS & Insomnia

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, “RLS wreaks havoc on sleep because lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Only getting up and moving around typically relieves the discomfort. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.”

Some believe that weakened or damaged neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine or glutamate can affect a person’s muscle activity and how they move. This muscle pain and trouble moving or sleeping can lead to insomnia, further solidifying the relationship between RLS and insomnia.

Evidence of the relationship between the two is strengthened further by the Sleep Foundation, which wrote: “The desire to move one’s legs makes falling asleep and staying asleep difficult for many people with RLS. A study found that 88% of individuals4 with RLS reported at least one sleep-related symptom. RLS symptoms often appear shortly after laying down at night, and patients will kick, squirm, or massage their legs to lessen the sensation. Some people with RLS are compelled to get out of bed and pace or stretch.”

By all accounts, the two seem to be inextricably linked. For example, the U.S. National Institute of Health says that in one study, people who suffered from restless legs syndrome were twice as likely to have sleep problems compared to people without RLS.

If you suffer from either restless legs syndrome or insomnia, it’s possible that treating symptoms of one may be beneficial to symptoms of the other. 

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you suffer from RLS, see your doctor for diagnosis, which may involve comparing your medical history and symptoms to criteria established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. You may also see your healthcare provider to diagnose insomnia, which often involves discussing your medical history, sleep problems, and potential triggers. If there aren’t physical triggers for either condition, you may be referred to a mental health professional for a psychiatric assessment. Insomnia is often treated through psychotherapy and certain medications – the same applies to someone experiencing restless leg syndrome. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re one of the millions of U.S. adults who have restless legs syndrome or experience insomnia, don’t wait to get help until either condition begins affecting your quality of life. Solutions to reduce pain or other symptoms may be simple but talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment.

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What Can I Take For Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is mysterious and often lasts for years. If you experience its symptoms but ignore them because you’re “tough” or think they’re just in your head, you’re doing yourself a grave injustice. Talk to a doctor, get diagnosed – and learn about treating symptoms to regain control of your life.

What is chronic pain?

“Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain may be ‘on’ and ‘off’ or continuous. It may affect people to the point that they can’t work, eat properly, take part in physical activity, or enjoy life. Chronic pain is a major medical condition that can and should be treated.”

 

Many of its symptoms are treatable with ketamine.

How is chronic pain diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, talk with your doctor or therapist. They may recommend any number of diagnostics and test procedures. Before agreeing to anything, ask your doctor about health risks, and know the benefits of each test. For chronic pain relief, you could be expected to first undergo lab tests, musculoskeletal or neurological exams, imaging tests (magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays), or electrodiagnostic procedures. Diagnosis may also happen after a thorough mental health evaluation.

Who can treat chronic pain?

Besides your primary care doctor or mental health professional, there are a number of experts specializing in pain management whom your doctor may work with on your behalf or refer you to directly for care. These may include:

 

  • Pain medicine specialists
  • Orthopedic specialists and surgeons
  • Osteopathic doctors
  • Rheumatologists
  • Physiatrists or rehabilitation specialists
  • Physical or occupational therapists
  • Acupuncturists or chiropractors

 

You also may be referred to a doctor or clinician who specializes in treatment using ketamine.

What can I take for chronic pain?

The best kind of therapy for chronic pain is one you’re comfortable with, doesn’t interfere with other medication or conditions, and has a proven track record of success. Once a doctor has offered a diagnosis, and possibly identified the source of the pain, it may be recommended that you try:

 

  • Analgesics for pain relief
  • Topical products
  • Antidepressants
  • Exercise
  • Hot or cold patches
  • Massage therapy or relaxation techniques
  • Various kinds of behavioral and mental health counseling
  • Music, art, or pet therapy

 

Each of these could work differently over several months, and your doctor may recommend using ketamine to treat chronic pain.

What causes chronic pain?

Chronic pain is different from acute pain. It doesn’t have a known cause, and rarely goes away on its own or with basic care. The original cause may have been an injury or infection. The pain could also result from arthritis or cancer. This underscores the importance of diagnosis.

Who does chronic pain affect?

According to the National Health Interview Survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention:

 

  • In 2019, 20.4% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain and 7.4% of adults suffered chronic pain which regularly restricted life or work activities (this is called high impact chronic pain) in the previous 3 months.
  • Chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain went up with age and were most prevalent among adults 65-years old and older.
  • “Non-Hispanic white adults (23.6%) were more likely to have chronic pain compared with non-Hispanic black (19.3%), Hispanic (13.0%), and non-Hispanic Asian (6.8%) adults.”
  • The survey also showed that the percentage of adults who experienced chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain went up as wherever they resided became more rural.

 

Chronic pain isn’t just a U.S. problem, but a global health risk. According to Boston University and the CDC, an estimated 1.5 billion people experience chronic pain symptoms annually.

The prognosis for chronic pain

Many people experiencing chronic pain can be helped if they recognize the causes and the numerous and different steps which can be taken to negate what chronic pain has done. Scientists believe that innovations in neuroscience can lead to more and improved treatments for chronic pain in the years ahead.

Ketamine for chronic pain

Ketamine has been around for more than 60 years. During most of that time, it was used as a pre- and post-surgical anesthetic, first gaining acceptance among injured U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. Since then, its psychotropic properties have kicked off numerous studies where doctors and scientists have uncovered evidence that it can treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, other mental illnesses, and chronic pain and other physical ailments. Ask your doctor if it’s right for you.

Final thoughts

Ketamine, a prominent anesthetic known across the globe and used for decades, is also a powerful pain reliever. Ketamine is especially useful as a pain treatment because of its unique ability to possibly bring relief to pain symptoms within hours or even minutes, rather than the weeks or months traditional medication can take for some people.

 

Research into ketamine for mood and pain disorder treatment is still ongoing, but it is believed that ketamine helps foster new connections between synapses and restore damaged nerve connections. This, in essence, rewrites the parts of your brain contributing to your symptoms.

 

Contact us today to learn more about this innovative new treatment option.

 

Help for anxiety in birmingham

8 best foods for anxiety

When we’re sad or depressed, we sometimes try and soothe uncomfortable feelings with food – and not always healthy food, either. If you’re suffering from mood swings and other symptoms of anxiety, following a healthy meal plan is a great way to control your emotions and restore order to your life.

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Help for anxiety in birmingham

6 statements that are hurtful to anxiety

Millions of Americans – men, women, and children – are affected by anxiety every year. If you know someone who experiences it, it’s normal to want to help. That said, it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with, including symptoms and causes, and how simple spoken words can sometimes make the situation worse.

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Hwhat effect does ketamine have on the human brain?

How Ketamine Works in the Brain

Ketamine is widely used as an anesthetic medication and for treating some symptoms of PTSD, OCD, migraines, chronic pain, suicidality, and depression. Many medics consider ketamine as a breakthrough in the medical field because it offers a powerful alternative for treating and managing mental health problems.

In the 1960s, doctors used ketamine to relieve pain in soldiers during the Vietnam War. This drug was also used in operating rooms for the same purpose. Today it is famous for use in the treatment of suicide prevention and depression. But how does it work?

Effects Of Ketamine On The Brain

Many antidepressants act on single “monoamine” neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin). Ketamine, on the other hand, acts on glutamate, the most prominent chemical messenger of the brain, regulating neuroplasticity, emotions, and cognitive thoughts. Glutamate also strengthens and promotes synaptic connections and plays a role in how people learn and respond to and remember experiences. This explains why ketamine is more effective than other antidepressants.

The fact that ketamine targets glutamate means it can rebalance glutamate and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid levels, which results in improved mental health and low depression levels.

What is Ketamine Used for?

Ketamine (C13H16ClNO) was synthesized in the 1960s and immediately found use as an analgesic and anesthesia during minor surgical operations. Germany and Belgium patented the use of this drug as anesthetic in 1963. The U.S. followed suit in 1966, and four years later, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use as an anesthetic. In 1985, it was added to the “Essential Medicines” list by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ketamine And Depression Treatment

Many psychiatrists and psychologists have been exploring the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression. One study conducted at Yale found out that ketamine can trigger glutamate production in the brain, stimulating fresh neural connections.

Earlier, it had been found that depressed people had some abnormality in their brain’s glutamatergic system. This is where the idea of the use of ketamine on depressed people sprung from.

Ketamine And Resistant Depression

Astonishingly, about 16.1 million American adults are currently suffering from MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). 66% of these people have tried antidepressant treatment but failed, while 33% do not respond to any treatment mode; hence, they remain depressed.

Interestingly, 60% of these patients who have used ketamine infusions have shown positive responses. Scientists believe this happens because ketamine’s effect on the brain isn’t the same as other antidepressants.

In Conclusion

An innovative new treatment option, ketamine started as a fast-acting anesthetic and pain reliever. Research in the last two decades has shown that ketamine is a powerful new tool for the treatment of mood disorders or pain conditions.

Ketamine works to stimulate the growth and regrowth of neurotransmitters in the brain, essentially rewriting the parts of the brain causing distress. Up to 70% of patients may be able to find relief from the symptoms of depression after a series of IV ketamine infusions.

 

Contact us today to learn more about ketamine treatment for mood disorders or pain conditions.

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