Obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, can have debilitating consequences and has traditionally been managed by medications that have a lag time to produce a decrease in symptoms. The rapid anti-obsessional effect of ketamine is proving to be a major advancement in the management of OCD and shows promise for improving quality of life for afflicted individuals.
At Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, we work closely with our patients to create a ketamine program best suited to their needs. Always rooted in the human experience and relationships, we strive to understand where you are in your journey to wellness. Contact us today and begin your consultation if you are an ideal candidate for ketamine infusion or oral ketamine for OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health disorder in the United States. According to the NIMH, OCD affects about 1.2% of adults in the United States annually.
Repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) are engaged in reaction to the obsessions to alleviate anxiety or avert injury, and OCD sufferers experience great distress.
A person’s day-to-day activities, relationships, and mental health can all be severely impacted by OCD. Rituals and compulsive actions performed by people with OCD can take up significant amounts of time each day, making it difficult for them to function professionally, academically, and socially. Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance addiction are negative outcomes that can stem from living with OCD.
When treating severe OCD, a chronic disorder characterized by crippling obsessions and repeated behaviors, ketamine has given hope to a psychiatric community desperate to find new treatments.
Antidepressants like Prozac, which are used in current treatment, can take months to have any effect on the disease. The effects of severe OCD are devastating. The nagging fear that something is tainted leads to obsessive checking and other ritualistic actions. It disrupts personal and professional spheres, too.
Antidepressants have been around for 60 years, and they all do the same thing by increasing serotonin or a couple of other neurotransmitters in the brain. However, ketamine therapy does not alter serotonin levels.
A ketamine infusion is a multifaceted medication with effects on a wide variety of receptors. Many studies have focused on the NMDA receptor, a glutamate-type receptor, although other receptors may contribute to positive outcomes. The rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine may be due to a chemical byproduct, or metabolite, formed as the body breaks it down.
OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterized by obsessions, intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions. OCD can significantly impair a person's functioning and quality of life and be difficult to treat.
Traditional treatments for OCD typically include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be effective for many individuals but may take several weeks or months to show improvement. Some people may not respond to these treatments or experience significant side effects, making searching for alternative treatments an important area of research.
Ketamine treatment therapy blocks the action of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which regulates mood and cognition. In addition, ketamine increases the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which has been shown to regulate mood and anxiety.
Several studies have investigated using ketamine therapy to treat OCD, with promising results. For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a single ketamine infusion significantly reduced OCD symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. The effects of ketamine treatment therapy were observed within hours of the infusion and lasted for up to one week.
One study from the Harvard Review of Psychiatry showed the potential of ketamine for alleviating the symptoms of OCD because it is fast onset and tolerated well by patients.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2016 found that a single intravenous infusion of ketamine significantly reduced OCD symptoms in patients who had not responded to traditional treatments. The effects of ketamine were observed within hours of the infusion and lasted for up to two weeks.
These studies suggest that ketamine infusions Oak Park, Illinois may be a promising treatment option for individuals with OCD who have not responded to traditional treatments. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of ketamine treatment therapy on OCD symptoms, as well as the optimal dosing and administration protocols.
Overall, the use of ketamine for the treatment of OCD is a promising area of research that warrants further investigation. While the available evidence suggests that ketamine may be effective for treating OCD symptoms, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of ketamine on OCD fully and to develop safe and effective dosing and administration protocols.
One of the most significant long-term effects of OCD is its impact on a person's quality of life. People with OCD may spend several hours daily performing rituals or compulsive behaviors, which can interfere with work, school, and social activities. This can lead to significant distress, impairments in functioning, and feelings of shame and embarrassment.
In addition, OCD can increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. This is because the constant anxiety and stress caused by OCD can take a toll on a person's mental health, making them more susceptible to other conditions.
OCD can also have negative effects on relationships, particularly romantic relationships. People with OCD may struggle to maintain intimate relationships due to the shame and embarrassment they feel about their symptoms and the time and energy they devote to performing compulsions.
Another potential long-term effect of OCD is the risk of developing physical health problems. This is because the stress and anxiety caused by OCD can harm a person's physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Finally, untreated OCD can lead to a cycle of avoidance and isolation, making it more difficult for people to seek treatment and get the help they need. This can lead to worsening symptoms and further impairments in functioning, making it more difficult to break the cycle of OCD.
Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. With treatment, many people with OCD can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Several lifestyle changes can help manage OCD symptoms with psychiatric treatment and therapy. Here are some examples:
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be associated with OCD. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be associated with OCD. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Exercise can include any physical activity that raises the heart rate, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can help manage OCD symptoms. These techniques can be practiced at home or in a group setting, and many resources are available online or through mental health professionals to help individuals learn and practice these techniques.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help improve overall physical and mental health, which can, in turn, help manage OCD symptoms. It is important to eat a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limiting processed and sugary foods can also help improve overall health.
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being and can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can help manage OCD symptoms. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establishing a regular sleep routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, can help improve sleep quality.
Substance use can exacerbate OCD symptoms and interfere with treatment. Avoiding drugs and alcohol can help improve overall mental and physical health and may help manage OCD symptoms. For individuals with OCD who struggle with substance use, seeking professional help may be necessary to address both conditions.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors. Taking care of yourself and doing things you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Whether ketamine is right for you depends on various factors, including your specific medical history, the condition you are seeking treatment for, and the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Midwest Alternative Treatment clinic will provide a thorough assessment of your individual circumstances and make appropriate recommendations.
Like any treatment, not all patients will have positive results. It’s also important to know that ketamine isn’t a cure, but rather an adjunct to improve your current therapy; it’s a better way to help you overcome your unique challenges.
Start your healing journey with our exclusive offer:
✨ Waived intake fee
✨ $275 per infusion
(45 minute session)
That’s a total savings of $325 on your treatments.