What Are The 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we are committed to raising awareness and educating the public about the impact of emotional trauma, including Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Studies show that a mere 2-11% of individuals with trauma-related symptoms get diagnosed. This fact highlights how crucial it is to clear up misconceptions about trauma and its treatment, which can help lessen the shame linked to PTSD. 

PTSD signs show up within three months after a traumatic event, but sometimes they appear later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, these signs need to stick around for over a month and have an impact on everyday life, like job performance or close relationships. These symptoms can’t be chalked up to medications, drug use, or other health issues. How long PTSD symptoms last differs a lot from one person to another. Some bounce back in half a year, while others might struggle for years on end. 

Many people with PTSD also face other mental health challenges, including depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is normal to experience some symptoms, such as feeling detached or as though the event happened to someone else. These feelings get better as time goes on, but if they stick around, it’s important to get some help.

The 17 Symptoms of PTSD include:

1. Agitation
2. Nervousness & Anxiety
3. Problems with Concentration or Thinking
4. Problems with Memory
5. Headaches
6. Depression & Crying Spells
7. Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts
8. Mood Swings
9. Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies
10. Panic Episodes
11. Paranoia
12. Shakiness
13. Substance Abuse
14. Flashbacks
15. Hypervigilance
16. Nightmares
17. Sleep Disturbances

Each of these symptoms can negatively affect close relationships, self-esteem, and physical health. PTSD can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, such as military combat, sexual assault, a natural disaster, or a serious accident.

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we offer cutting-edge treatment options for PTSD, including ketamine therapy, particularly for patients resistant to conventional treatments like SSRIs, psychotherapy, and other forms of therapy. Ketamine has shown promising results in helping individuals who haven’t responded to traditional PTSD treatments. It can also be used for chronic pain conditions such as CRPS, neuropathy, cancer-related pain, and migraines.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, we are here to help. Contact us to learn more about how ketamine infusions may be a beneficial treatment option for you.

What To Expect After Ketamine Treatment For Depression?

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we prioritize your well-being before, during, and after your ketamine treatment for depression. Understanding what to expect after your sessions can help you navigate the process and maximize the benefits of this innovative therapy.

Post-Treatment Awareness: After your ketamine infusions, paying close attention to your mind and body is crucial. Monitoring how you feel can help you and your provider understand how your body is responding to the treatment. You might notice changes in your symptoms, and discussing these with your provider is essential for maintaining the positive effects of the therapy. Communication with your provider allows them to tailor your ongoing care, ensuring that any potential triggers are addressed, and your progress is supported.

Embrace Your Authentic Experience: It’s important to honor how your body and mind respond after treatment. Avoid pressuring yourself to feel a certain way, as everyone’s journey is unique. Whether you experience a clearer head, a quieter mind, an improved mood, increased interest in activities, or better sleep, these are all signs of a successful outcome. Remember, your feelings are valid, and at Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment for you throughout your treatment.

Ongoing Monitoring and Communication: In the weeks or even hours following your ketamine infusions, it’s vital to keep track of any changes in mood, behavior, or symptoms. Regular communication with your provider is key—they may need to adjust your treatment plan to suit your evolving needs. While ketamine infusions can offer significant relief, they are often used as a short-term treatment option, and additional sessions might be necessary to maintain their positive effects. Some examples of these effects might be: a clearer and quieter mind, mood boosting, improved sleep, and more interest in daily activities. 

Tailored Treatment Plans: At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we recognize that every patient’s journey is unique. We generally recommend a course of six ketamine infusions over 2-3 weeks for those diagnosed with depression. However, the exact number of treatments may vary based on individual circumstances. Our primary goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights, and potentially find relief from conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Your Path to Well-Being: If you or a loved one is suffering from treatment-resistant depression, ketamine therapy at our Tallahassee, FL clinic may offer the breakthrough you need. Our highly trained professionals are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your treatment is conducted safely and ethically. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you on your journey to mental well-being.

Can Ketamine Cause Panic Attacks? 

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments for mental health disorders. One of the treatments we offer is ketamine therapy, known for its rapid antidepressant effects. However, as with any treatment, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential side effects. One question that often arises is whether ketamine can cause panic attacks.

Ketamine’s Rapid Antidepressant Effects

Ketamine therapy has shown remarkable results in treating depression. Studies have demonstrated that the antidepressant effects of a single dose of ketamine can be observed within four hours, with peak effects at 24 hours lasting for several days. Repeated administrations of ketamine can prolong these antidepressant effects and are generally well tolerated. A rapid response to the first ketamine infusion is often predictive of a sustained antidepressant effect after a series of infusions.

Acute Psychological Side Effects of Ketamine

Despite its benefits, ketamine can cause acute psychological side effects. Typical side effects of intravenous ketamine administration (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) include transient perceptual disturbances, experiences of dissociation (such as depersonalization or derealization), euphoria, and anxiety. These effects usually subside within several minutes after stopping the infusion and fully remit within two hours.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety is one of the potential side effects of ketamine, and in some cases, this anxiety can manifest as panic attacks. A study showed that anxiety-related experiences induced by ketamine were significantly higher in non-responders to the treatment. The study also found that the percentage reduction in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) after four hours and individual levels of ketamine-induced anxiety were predictive of a response at the end of treatment. This highlights the importance of considering patients’ subjective experiences with ketamine.

Ketamine for Treating Anxiety

Interestingly, ketamine is also being explored as a treatment for anxiety. An increasing number of experts believe that ketamine might be an effective alternative for treating anxiety that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Although the FDA has only approved a particular form of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, doctors may prescribe ketamine “off-label” to treat anxiety.

A 2022 review found that single-dose ketamine infusions reduced panic, irritability, and other anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder. Higher doses of ketamine were more effective than lower doses, and the anxiety-reducing effects lasted up to two weeks.

Individualized Care at Novel Mind & Wellness Center

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we understand that every patient is unique, and responses to ketamine therapy can vary greatly. Determining the predictability of panic attacks from ketamine is not possible for everyone, as individual experiences differ. Our approach involves thorough assessments by our qualified healthcare providers to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for each individual.

We strive to provide the best individualized care, considering both the potential benefits and risks of ketamine therapy. If you have any questions about ketamine therapy or would like to know more about how it could help with your condition, please contact us. Our team is here to provide the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your mental health and well-being.

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we are dedicated to creating a safe and comforting environment where patients receive customized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. Our clinic leverages our medical expertise and novel treatment modalities, such as ketamine, to address treatment-resistant mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain syndromes such as CRPS, neuropathy, cancer-related pain, and migraines.

Understanding Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative approach that combines the administration of ketamine with therapeutic interventions. This treatment modality leverages the unique properties of ketamine to enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy. But exactly how does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy work within the brain to provide these benefits?

The Science Behind Ketamine’s Mechanism

Ketamine operates at the core of our brain’s communication system by influencing certain molecules that significantly impact neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways throughout life.

Neuronal Communication and Neuroplasticity

Our brain consists of billions of neurons, which communicate with each other billions of times each day. This communication occurs through molecules called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters travel across tiny gaps known as synaptic clefts, binding to receptors on neighboring neurons. This binding process allows signals to propagate from one neuron to the next, enabling complex brain functions.

The Role of Glutamate in Neuroplasticity

Ketamine works by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate is crucial for neuroplasticity, as it facilitates the formation of new neuronal connections. Under prolonged stress, neurons can shrink, reducing their ability to communicate effectively. This phenomenon is often observed in individuals with common mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, who tend to have lower glutamate levels.

When patients receive repeated ketamine treatments, glutamate levels surge, helping to restore neuronal communication and enhancing overall neuroplasticity. This process can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by promoting healthier brain function.

Ketamine’s Historical Context and Research

Discovered in the 1960s, ketamine was initially recognized for its role in triggering glutamate release. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers began to explore the connection between neurotransmitter levels, including glutamate, and depressive symptoms. Early research at Yale University revealed that small doses of ketamine could produce remarkably positive results in patients with mood disorders. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed ketamine’s potential in improving mood disorders, and ongoing research continues to uncover new insights.

Ketamine’s Effects on Pain and Inflammation

Beyond its impact on mood disorders, ketamine also influences pain perception and inflammation. At low doses, ketamine inhibits a receptor on neurons called NMDA, which plays a role in amplifying pain signals. By inhibiting this receptor, ketamine can reduce pain signals in the brain. Additionally, ketamine interacts with certain opioid receptors and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to its pain-relieving effects.

Experience the Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Novel Mind & Wellness Center in Tallahassee, FL

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers a promising approach to treating treatment-resistant mental health disorders and chronic pain syndromes. At Novel Mind & Wellness Center in Tallahassee, FL, our experienced team consists of a board-certified physician medical director, a CRNA, and a registered nurse, all with extensive real-world clinical experience who are committed to providing safe and effective ketamine treatments tailored to your unique needs. If you’re seeking relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, contact us to learn more about how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can help you achieve better mental and physical health.

Understanding Stellate Ganglion Block: A Promising Intervention at Novel Mind & Wellness Center in Tallahassee, FL

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we are committed to providing safe and medically supervised treatments to address a myriad of mental health disorders and chronic pain syndromes resistant to conventional therapies. Our focus on creating a safe and comforting environment, along with customized treatment plans, extends to innovative procedures like the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), which has shown remarkable promise in relieving symptoms of emotional trauma and psychological disorders.

What is Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a procedure in which a local anesthetic is injected next to the stellate ganglion, a collection of sympathetic nerves located in the neck. These nerves play a crucial role in regulating involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. Traditionally recognized as an FDA-approved pain-relieving treatment, SGB has gained attention for its off-label use in treating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

How Does SGB Work?

SGB helps regulate the brain’s overactive sympathetic nervous system and “reset” the “fight-or-flight” response to its baseline. By administering local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, SGB aims to temporarily block or “turn off” the nerves, helping restore normal biological functions. This intervention has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of trauma, even in severe cases.

Benefits of SGB Treatment

Patients undergoing Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) have reported numerous benefits, including:

• Better sleep
• Improved memory and concentration
• Decrease in anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
• Enhanced ability to connect with others
• Reduction in jumpiness or nervousness
• Improved intimacy
• Alleviation of PTSD symptoms, impulsivity, concentration, and sexual function

The Procedure Explained

During the procedure, injections are administered on one side of the neck to relieve symptoms of emotional trauma. The localized administration of the anesthetic helps target the sympathetic nerves, providing relief from chronic neuropathic pain conditions and sympathetically mediated pain (SMP).

How SGB Can Help with Long COVID Symptoms

Individuals experiencing long COVID may develop dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as digestive issues, blood pressure fluctuations, and sweating abnormalities. SGB offers a potential solution by temporarily blocking the affected nerves, helping restore normal biological functions and alleviate symptoms associated with dysautonomia.