What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Traditional treatment for PTSD usually involves therapy and medications. However, there are two types of PTSD: simple PTSD and complex PTSD. While they share many similarities, there are some important differences between the two.
Simple PTSD
Simple PTSD is the type of PTSD that most people are familiar with. It is typically the result of a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or physical assault. Symptoms of simple PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hyper-arousal. Simple PTSD can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD (cPTSD), on the other hand, is a more severe and long-lasting form of PTSD. It is typically the result of repeated trauma or abuse, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or prolonged exposure to combat. The symptoms of complex PTSD can include all of the symptoms of simple PTSD, as well as other symptoms such as difficulty regulating emotions, dissociation, self-harm, and problems with interpersonal relationships.
One of the key differences between simple PTSD and complex PTSD is the duration and severity of the symptoms. While simple PTSD symptoms can last for months or even years, the symptoms of complex PTSD can be lifelong if left untreated. It is also important to note that the treatment of complex PTSD can be challenging, as the individual may have deep-seated beliefs and coping mechanisms that have developed over years of trauma and abuse.
Psychedelics & Treating PTSD and cPTSD
Recent research has shown that psychedelics, such as Ketamine, Cannabis, MDMA and psilocybin, can be an effective treatment option for PTSD and Complex PTSD. Psychedelics are substances that alter perception, mood, and thought. They have a long history of use in spiritual and religious ceremonies and have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. In recent years, researchers have been studying the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD.
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
One of the most promising psychedelic treatments for PTSD is MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. MDMA is a synthetic substance that produces feelings of empathy, emotional openness, and a sense of connection with others. In MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, the individual takes a dose of MDMA under the supervision of a trained therapist. The therapist then guides the individual through a therapy session, which can last up to eight hours.
During the session, the individual experiences an altered state of consciousness, which can help them process traumatic memories and emotions. The effects of MDMA also reduce anxiety and fear, which can make it easier for the individual to discuss difficult topics and emotions. Research studies have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
Another psychedelic treatment option for PTSD is psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Psilocybin is the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” and produces altered states of consciousness, similar to those experienced with LSD. In psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, the individual takes a dose of psilocybin under the supervision of a trained therapist. The therapist then guides the individual through a therapy session, which can last up to six hours.
During the session, the individual experiences an altered state of consciousness, which can help them gain insights into their past experiences and emotions. Psilocybin can help individuals overcome the negative thought patterns and emotions associated with PTSD. Research studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as a general anesthetic. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered that ketamine can also be an effective treatment option for various mental health conditions, including trauma symptoms. Trauma symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors and can be the result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
One of the most promising applications of ketamine is for trauma symptoms such as PTSD or Complex PTSD. In ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, the individual receives a low dose of ketamine under the supervision of a trained therapist. The individual then experiences an altered state of consciousness, which can help them process traumatic memories and emotions. Ketamine can help individuals with trauma symptoms overcome negative thought patterns and emotions associated with the traumatic event. It can also increase the individual’s ability to think and reason, which can help them gain insights into their past experiences and emotions. Studies have shown that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be effective in reducing trauma symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviors. In addition, ketamine can provide a rapid reduction in symptoms, with some individuals experiencing relief within hours of the first session.
Ketamine works by blocking a receptor in the brain called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). This receptor is involved in learning, memory, and emotion regulation. Trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of this receptor, leading to persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression. By blocking the NMDA receptor, ketamine can help to reset the brain’s circuitry, allowing individuals to process traumatic memories and emotions in a new way. Ketamine can also increase the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in the growth and development of new neurons in the brain. This increase in BDNF can help to repair and rebuild damaged areas of the brain associated with trauma symptoms.
Conclusion
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and other psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, are promising treatment option for trauma and PTSD symptoms. Psychedelics like Ketamine can help individuals process traumatic memories and emotions and reset the brain’s circuitry. They can also help individuals reduce anxiety and fear, and gain insights into their past experiences and emotions. These can provide a rapid reduction in symptoms, with some individuals experiencing relief within hours of the first session. However, it is important to note that ketamine and other psychedelics are powerful medications that should only be administered by trained professionals in a controlled setting. Individuals with trauma symptoms who are interested in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their mental health provider.
Contact us today to learn more about psychedelic therapies such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and how we may be able to help you in your healing journey.