How Ketamine Infusions Are Supporting Veterans Struggling with PTSD

Serenity Health
April 6, 2023

Veterans dedicate themselves to protecting our country, spending years preparing to confront external threats. But when they return home, many face a battle they weren’t trained for: fighting against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD, like depression, can be a silent killer. The brave men and women of the military are trained to suppress any sign of vulnerability, which makes seeking help after returning home a difficult task. Currently, around 540,000 veterans are diagnosed with PTSD, and tragically, 22 veterans take their own lives each day. These statistics are far too high. Though PTSD isn’t curable, several treatments are available. The Veterans Affairs department recommends trauma-focused therapies such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). However, one VA clinic in Cleveland is exploring an alternative: low-dose ketamine infusions for veterans at high risk of suicide.

Ketamine infusions are emerging as a fast-acting treatment option for veterans battling PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). These infusions can offer immediate relief, particularly for those with suicidal thoughts. A study published by the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated significant improvements in patients within just 4 to 24 hours after treatment compared to a control group. Another study from The Journal of Trauma, Injury, Infection, and Critical Care found a notable reduction in PTSD symptoms in soldiers who received ketamine before surgery.

As we honor our veterans this week, let’s not forget the hidden struggle many face once they return home. If you or someone you know is battling PTSD or depression, reach out to us. You don’t have to face this fight alone.