Myths and Facts About Ketamine
Have you heard about ketamine but just aren’t sure what to believe? We’re here to dispel the myths and give you the facts, so you can know the truth about what it is and how it works.
Struggling With OCD? Get Relief With Ketamine
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about 1.2% of all American adults every year. When you have this condition, you can experience intense behaviors that lead to seemingly uncontrollable irrational actions.
At Palo Alto Mind Body, we’re a team of OCD specialists led by M Rameen Ghorieshi, MD, MPH, who uses ketamine as an innovative treatment to help you overcome your symptoms.
Understanding OCD
The symptoms of OCD can last more than an hour every day. They can interrupt your daily routine, social interactions, and your relationships.
Obsessions
When you have obsessions, you can have irrational thoughts that invade your mind, or you might have impulses that you need to repeat over and over again. Even though you might realize that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational, you can’t stop them because you think they might be worthy of truth.
Symptoms include:
- Objects needing to face a certain way
- Anxiety about thoughts of harming someone
- Fear of dirt or germs
- Anxiety about sexual content
- Anxiety about religious content
You might also question yourself after leaving your home about things like turning off the stove or setting the alarm, which can cause you to go back and double-check.
Obsessions are relentless, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause you great anxiety and concern.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that relieve the anxiety that obsessions cause.
Symptoms include:
- Continually checking to see if windows are shut, the stove is off, or doors are closed
- Repeating words or phrases continually
- Arranging objects in an orderly manner until satisfied
- Cleaning and washing
Compulsions can become rituals that offer relief.
OCD can start as early as your teen years with symptoms gradually progressing as you age. This lifelong condition can range in intensity from mild to moderate to severe.
How ketamine can help
Our team uses ketamine to alleviate your symptoms of OCD. This effective drug often provides rapid effects that can outperform selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Ketamine is a glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which has been found to rapidly reduce OCD. We administer ketamine intravenously in very low doses, which helps balance the chemicals in your brain that play a role in managing your OCD symptoms.
As trained experts, we treat you in our office under supervision throughout the process. How long treatments take varies according to your weight and the dosage administered, but most infusions take 60-120 minutes.
If you struggle with OCD and are looking for relief, call 650-681-2900 for a consultation and to schedule an appointment. We serve the surrounding Bay Area, which includes South Bay, North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, and San Francisco. Our friendly office staff will be happy to help you learn more, as well as, book your appointment, or you can use the online scheduling tool.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Depression
Depression has its well-known symptoms, such as persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness. But many don’t pay attention to the underlying signs that can indicate the condition is present. Here, we shed light on other symptoms of depression.
Helping a Loved One with Chronic Pain
Watching your loved one suffer from pain can make you feel helpless when it comes to providing relief for them. You may feel like there’s little you can do to help. Keep reading to learn what you can do to help and support them.
What to Do If Your Antidepressant Isn't Working
If you feel like you’ve been hitting a brick wall when it comes to finding an antidepressant that works, it may be time to consider an alternative treatment. Let’s explore your options here.
Am I a Candidate for Spravato?
Unsuccessful treatments for depression can leave you feeling at a loss. If you’re struggling with depression, Spravato® may be the answer. Let’s find out if it might be right for you.
Why You Shouldn't Try to Self-Diagnose a Mental Health Condition
If you suspect you might have a mental health condition, it may be tempting to go online in search of answers. We understand! However, we recommend using caution about coming up with a diagnosis on your own for several reasons. Learn more here.