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Are you tired of living with the constant burden of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Do traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication not seem to be working for you? At our clinic, we offer an innovative and effective solution: ketamine infusion therapy for OCD.
Imagine experiencing a significant reduction in symptoms within hours, and lasting results that can last for several days or even weeks. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to help you achieve relief and improve your overall quality of life.
Don’t let OCD control your life any longer, schedule a consultation with Illuminate in Newport News, VA, today to learn more about how ketamine infusion therapy can work for you.
Ketamine is a medication that is primarily used as an anesthetic for surgical procedures and other medical procedures that require pain management. It is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, meaning that it causes a person to feel detached from their surroundings and can produce hallucinations or a dream-like state.
Ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic in medical procedures, but more recently, it has been studied as a treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. One of these conditions is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a debilitating condition characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images (obsessions) that drive a person to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions.
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants in treating OCD. It is believed to work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in the regulation of mood and anxiety. This can lead to a rapid reduction in symptoms of OCD.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of ketamine in the treatment of OCD. Studies have shown that a single dose of ketamine can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms within hours, and these effects can last for several days or even weeks. This is in contrast to traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can take weeks or even months to show improvement and may not be effective for everyone.
Additionally, ketamine has been found to have a rapid onset of action, and can be used as a “bridge” treatment for patients who are not responsive to traditional treatments or are in a state of crisis.
Rapid onset of action: Studies have shown that a single dose of ketamine can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms within hours, which is much faster than traditional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Long-lasting effects: The effects of ketamine can last for several days or even weeks, which can provide sustained relief from symptoms of OCD.
Effective for treatment-resistant OCD: Ketamine has been found to be effective for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments or are in a state of crisis.
Safe and well-tolerated: Ketamine is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment when administered by a medical professional in a controlled setting.
Can be used in conjunction with other treatments: Ketamine can be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication management, to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Can improve quality of life: By reducing symptoms of OCD, ketamine can help improve a person’s overall quality of life by reducing the impact of the disorder on daily functioning.
During a ketamine treatment for OCD, a patient will typically receive an intravenous (IV) infusion of the medication. The treatment is administered in our office and usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.
Our patients can relax in a comfortable chair, and a small IV catheter will be inserted into their arm. The ketamine will be administered through the IV at a slow, controlled rate. The patient will be monitored throughout the treatment by the healthcare provider.
Patients may experience some dissociation during the treatment, which means they might feel detached from their surroundings, or they might experience changes in perception, such as feeling as if they are in a dreamlike state or experiencing changes in the way they perceive time, colors, or shapes. These side effects usually subside shortly after the infusion.
After treatment, the patient will be observed for a short period of time by our staff before being allowed to go home. It is advised that patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
Living with OCD can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. At our clinic, we understand the impact that this condition can have on your life, and we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care and support.
Our ketamine infusion therapy for OCD treatment in Newport News, VA, is an innovative and effective treatment option that can lead to rapid and long-lasting relief from symptoms. Don’t let OCD control your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ketamine infusion therapy can work for you.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images (obsessions) that drive a person to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions. The obsessions and compulsions can take up a lot of time and can interfere with daily activities, work, and relationships.
The obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts, ideas, or impulses that cause anxiety or distress. The compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
The compulsions are not pleasurable or reasonable, and the person does them to try to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
Examples of common obsessions include concerns about contamination, harm, and responsibility, and common compulsions include cleaning, checking, counting, and repeating words silently.
While everyone experiences unwanted thoughts from time to time, people with OCD can’t stop thinking about certain things, and the thoughts and fears can be so intense that they disrupt daily activities.
The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neural factors.
Genetics: Studies have shown that OCD tends to run in families and that there is a genetic component to the disorder.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, have been linked to the development of OCD.
Brain structure: Studies have shown that certain brain regions, such as the basal ganglia and the anterior cingulate cortex, are involved in the regulation of compulsions and obsessions.
Environmental factors: Trauma, stress, and other adverse life events may increase the risk of developing OCD.
Infections: Some studies suggest that infections with certain types of bacteria or viruses may contribute to the development of OCD.
It is important to note that OCD is a complex disorder and that the causes can vary from person to person. While a specific cause is not always identifiable, the combination of genetic, environmental, and brain-related factors can all contribute to the development of OCD.
The symptoms of OCD can vary from person to person but typically include both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions:
Compulsions:
Additional symptoms of OCD may include:
It is important to note that the symptoms of OCD can vary widely and that not everyone with the condition will experience all of the symptoms.
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