Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Thrive IV provides physician-administered ketamine infusion therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder at our Dartmouth, Massachusetts clinic. PTSD can follow a single traumatic event or prolonged stress, and it often responds poorly to conventional medication alone. Ketamine’s effect on neuroplasticity can create space for new ways of processing traumatic memories, which is why it is increasingly used for trauma-related symptoms. Treatment is given and monitored by Dr. Michael Pellegrino, DO, typically as a six-infusion starting series over three weeks, and works best alongside a licensed therapist.

Thrive IV also offers compounded nasal ketamine therapy as an option for patients living with PTSD. While research on ketamine for PTSD is still developing, some patients experience relief from intrusive symptoms, and nasal delivery may suit those who prefer a shorter or less invasive session. Dr. Pellegrino will discuss the current evidence with you and help determine whether IV or nasal treatment is the right approach.

This is a psychological disorder that occurs in some people after experiencing a particularly stressful event. In time, most people recover from this naturally. But people with PTSD don't feel better. They feel stressed and frightened long after the trauma is over. In some cases, the PTSD symptoms may start later on. They might also come and go over time.

Some of the reasons or criteria include exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

• Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). Note: In children older than 6 years, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event(s) are expressed.
• Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). Note: In children, there may be frightening dreams without recognizable content.
• Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.) Note: In children, trauma-specific reenactment may occur in play.
• Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
• Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).

Ketamine therapy has been shown to help as many as 70-80% or more in some studies. We specialize in adding Ketamine infusions to help increase your feeling of well being and reduce the terrible pain, depression or anxiety you've been experiencing. Giving you hope to live a happier and more productive, fulfilled life.