Ketamine-augmented psychotherapy for anxiety disorders
OVID Clinic Berlin
Ketamine for anxiety disorders as a new treatment option
There are several treatment options available to treat an anxiety disorder. On this page we would like to talk specifically about treatment with ketamine therapy.
When one or more psychotherapies or pharmacotherapies have not shown sufficient therapeutic success, augmented psychotherapy may be a treatment option. Psychotherapeutic integration of experiences in altered states of consciousness represents a new treatment option. We also take advantage of the antidepressant effect of ketamine. Under the following link you will find more information.
Anxiety disorders as a possible indication for treatment with ketamine
Sufferers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder often suffer from permanent feelings of worry, distress and fear. These fears relate often relate to everyday scenarios. They range from threats, such as a possible burglary at home, to less dire incidents, such as a lost wallet. It can also cause those affected to feel anxious about being anxious in the first place. The permanent anxiety severely limits the quality of life and can significantly affect the daily life of the affected person (1).
We have collected more information about Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Here you can read more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Ketamine therapy for anxiety disorders
By using ketamine, its direct effectiveness on depressive symptoms and increased neuroplasticity becomes useful for your psychotherapy and change processes. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and reshape itself. Augmented psychotherapy is well suited to initiate a renewed longer-term therapeutic process. In some circumstances, important memories and insights can also be gained in altered states of consciousness, which can be helpful in the long-term treatment of anxiety.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Treatment of comorbid depressive symptoms with ketamine
Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by depressive symptoms. If drug therapy with antidepressants or psychotherapy have not shown sufficient therapeutic success, augmented psychotherapy and the accompanying ketamine therapy may be a treatment option. The direct antidepressant effect of ketamine allows psychotherapeutic work and changes with less stress from the symptoms of depression.
Published on 05.05.2021
