Mon - Fri (10 AM - 7 PM)
Sat - Sun Closed
Our Locations
Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Hilo
Sat - Sun Closed
Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Hilo
Ketamine treatment has shown promise in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, several factors contribute to how ketamine treatment can help with anxiety
Ketamine’s primary mechanism of action involves modulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in brain function. By interacting with glutamate receptors, ketamine can lead to increased levels of synaptic glutamate, which has been associated with reduced anxiety symptoms and enhanced mood.
Ketamine’s ability to enhance neural plasticity, or the brain’s capacity to rewire itself, may contribute to its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. The formation of new neural connections and the strengthening of existing ones could help individuals reframe their thoughts and responses to anxiety-inducing situations.
Similar to its effects on depression, ketamine often provides rapid relief from anxiety symptoms. Many patients report feeling a reduction in anxiety shortly after a ketamine infusion, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing acute distress or panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders often involve altered activity in specific brain circuits responsible for processing fear and anxiety responses. Ketamine treatment may help rebalance these circuits, leading to more adaptive emotional processing and reduced anxiety.
Inflammation has been linked to anxiety disorders, and ketamine’s anti-inflammatory properties could play a role in its anxiolytic effects. By reducing inflammation, ketamine may contribute to a more stable and regulated mood.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neural excitability. Ketamine’s impact on glutamate-GABA balance may lead to a calming effect, reducing excessive neural activity associated with anxiety.
Ketamine treatment has been observed to facilitate positive emotional processing, which can counteract negative thought patterns and help individuals approach anxiety-provoking situations with a more constructive mindset.
Hawaii Ketamine Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment center dedicated to offering transformative solutions for individuals grappling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions and chronic pain.