If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone. In fact, about 40 million American men and women — almost 20% of the adult population — deal with anxiety disorders every year, making anxiety the most common mental health condition in the United States.
Of course, just knowing that anxiety is common won’t help you manage your symptoms. But the prevalence of anxiety disorders has spurred the medical community into developing cutting-edge treatments aimed at helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
In recent years, ketamine therapy has shown significant promise in treating anxiety disorders, including one of the most common types of anxiety — social anxiety disorder. At Scottsdale Ketamine Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, our team offers tailored ketamine therapy to help patients find relief for their anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.
Anxiety basics
Everyone knows what it feels like to be a little anxious from time to time. But anxiety disorders are different. If you have an anxiety disorder, you regularly feel intense and pervasive feelings of anxiety that can wind up interfering with your life and your emotional wellness.
Anxiety symptoms can vary from one person to another, but in general, symptoms include:
- Feelings of restlessness or nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Having a sense of impending disaster or danger
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or fatigued
- Problems concentrating
- Persistent feelings of worry
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Gastrointestinal disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. While the “trigger” for anxiety can vary based on the type of anxiety you have, the symptoms usually remain similar. Many people who have anxiety also suffer from depression.
How ketamine can help
Traditionally used as an anesthetic, ketamine infusions are now widely used to treat depression that doesn’t respond well to other treatments, such as antidepressant medications. In recent years, researchers have discovered that ketamine is also very effective in helping patients with many types of anxiety disorders.
Ketamine works by altering the way your brain uses glutamate, a powerful neurotransmitter chemical that plays a major role in mood. Researchers aren’t sure exactly how ketamine reduces anxiety symptoms, but they do know that glutamate helps nerves “communicate” better, which may help “short circuit” the abnormal signaling associated with anxiety.
Ketamine infusions are delivered in our office via an IV, with sessions lasting an hour or less. Another bonus: Unlike anxiety medications that may need weeks to take effect, ketamine infusions provide a nearly immediate effect, reducing feelings of anxiety after just one dose in many cases.
Don’t let anxiety control your life
Anxiety can take a toll emotionally and physically. Over time, anxiety can increase your risk of developing heart problems and lower your ability to fight off diseases.
If you have anxiety and other treatment approaches haven’t worked, ketamine infusions could be the solution you’re looking for. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Scottsdale Ketamine Clinic today.