A New Path to Recovery: Understanding PTSD and Ketamine Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often linked with combat veterans, but in reality, it can affect anyone — including children. Whether it's due to abuse, a serious accident, a natural disaster, or witnessing violence, trauma has a powerful and lasting impact. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7 out of every 100 Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

PTSD develops when the body’s natural stress regulation system — the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — becomes deregulated. This system governs how we respond to stress. When it's overactive, it keeps the brain and body in a state of constant alert, triggering symptoms such as:

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts

• Avoidance of trauma-related triggers

• Heightened anger or irritability

• Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response

• Chronic anxiety or emotional numbness

When Traditional Treatments Fall Short

Many individuals with PTSD try psychotherapy, medications like SSRIs, or lifestyle changes — yet still struggle. That’s where innovative treatments like ketamine therapy come into play. At Neuroplasticity MD in New Jersey, board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Yuli Fradkin offers cutting-edge care for patients who haven’t responded to conventional approaches.

How Ketamine Works in Treating PTSD

First introduced in the 1960s as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being repurposed as a transformative treatment for mood and trauma-related disorders. In low, sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine can:

• Calm an overactive stress response by modulating the HPA axis

• Block NMDA receptors involved in pain and negative emotional memory

• Stimulate the brain’s ability to form new neural connections (neuroplasticity)

This fast-acting effect often brings relief within hours — unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months.

What to Expect from Ketamine Treatment at Neuroplasticity MD

If you're considering ketamine for PTSD, Dr. Fradkin will first conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the therapy is right for you. Once approved, treatments are delivered in a comfortable, private setting designed to support healing.

During the session:

• You’ll relax in a recliner while receiving a low-dose intravenous infusion of ketamine over approximately 40 minutes

• A trained medical team will monitor your vitals throughout the treatment

• Most patients remain awake, calm, and sometimes introspective — often listening to music or practicing mindfulness

Following treatment, it’s common to feel drowsy. You'll need someone to accompany you home, as driving or operating heavy machinery is not advised for the rest of the day.

Results: How Ketamine Reduces PTSD Symptoms

Many patients report noticeable symptom relief after just one treatment. Common improvements include:

• Fewer intrusive thoughts and nightmares

• A drop in anxiety and hyper vigilance

• Greater emotional resilience and ability to process trauma

• Reduced depressive symptoms and emotional numbness

Dr. Fradkin typically recommends an initial series of six treatments over a two- to three-week period for optimal outcomes. Booster sessions may be offered based on your progress and individual response.

Is Ketamine the Right Choice for You?

Ketamine may be appropriate if you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD and have not found success with other treatment options. However, it's not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or bladder issues. A consultation with both Dr. Fradkin and your primary care provider can help ensure safety and effectiveness.

At Neuroplasticity MD, you’ll find compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique mental health journey. If you’re seeking Effective PTSD Treatment NJ, ketamine therapy could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.

Take the first step toward healing

Visit Neuroplasticity MD to schedule your consultation with Dr. Yuli Fradkin and explore a treatment that could transform your life.