An Overview of Ketamine Infusions for OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD, impacts people differently. Not all individuals affected by the condition display the same symptoms, but the general ‘obsessions’ and ‘compulsions’ are almost always present. Patients undergoing obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment are typically treated with medications, psychotherapy (talk therapy) or both. These treatments can take weeks or months to provide relief, if any relief is achieved. Texas Ketamine Specialists offers ketamine infusions for OCD to individuals living in the Dallas, Plano and Richardson, Texas communities who are struggling to control the unwanted behaviors and thoughts that hinder their daily life.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined as a chronic disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions), behaviors (compulsions) or both. In general, people impacted by OCD suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that are long-lasting and cause them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors to try and ease the anxiety associated with their thoughts.
Many adults suffering from this disorder are aware of their obsessions and compulsions but are not able to control them on their own. The symptoms can interfere with all aspects of a person’s life and cause them to lose productivity at work, no longer enjoy their hobbies and places strain on personal relationships.
Common obsessions (repeated thoughts or urges that cause anxiety) include:
- Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts
- Aggressive or harmful thoughts
Common compulsions (repetitive behaviors performed in response to the obsessions) include:
- Ordering and rearranging items in a precise, particular way
- Excessive handwashing and/or cleaning
- Compulsive counting
- Repeatedly checking on items
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment Options
Untreated OCD can become detrimental to all aspects of a person’s life. It is critical that an individual receives proper obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in order to take control of the disorder and gain symptom relief.
OCD treatment is much like other mental health disorders and involves medications and psychotherapy. Even though these treatment options are fairly effective, the response can take up to several months and may include many unpleasant side effects from the medications. It has been estimated that with traditional obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment patients wait up to 10 weeks to see marked improvement in symptoms, and may only experience a 40-60% symptom reduction.
Ketamine Infusions for OCD Rapidly Reduces Symptoms
Ketamine is a medication that is FDA-approved and has been used as an anesthetic agent for many years. Over more recent years, medical professionals have found that ketamine offers fast-acting and long-lasting symptom relief from OCD.
Ketamine infusions for OCD protocol is similar to that used with clinical depression cases. Patients receive 1-2 infusions, each one lasting about 40 minutes, to see if the treatment is effective. If positive results are reached, a patient will receive additional infusions, as well as maintenance boosters. Many patients report reduced symptoms in only hours or days, with many reporting significant relief in only 1-2 infusions.
To learn more about ketamine infusions for OCD, or to determine if you are a candidate for this obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in the Dallas, Plano and Richardson, Texas area, contact the office of Texas Ketamine Specialists.
