Dr. Sam Zand, founder of the Calm Clinic in Las Vegas, is championing unconventional treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans. Dissatisfied with the overreliance on traditional medications and the lack of comprehensive treatment plans, Zand advocates for holistic approaches, including intravenous ketamine infusion therapy, a practice showing significant promise in reducing PTSD symptoms.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network has expanded its association with Ketamine Wellness Centers, reflecting the growing acceptance of ketamine treatments. Zand emphasizes the need for more innovative measures, like ketamine therapy, to enhance mental wellness. He contends that intravenous ketamine treatments induce relaxation in the body and nervous system, fostering receptivity to healing.
Combining intravenous ketamine treatment with talk therapy forms a potent formula for immediate and lasting results, according to Zand. The Calm Clinic’s program begins with a thorough evaluation of contributing factors to a patient’s PTSD symptoms, followed by a customized treatment plan ranging from traditional medication to talk therapy and electro-stimulation.
The success of such approaches is not limited to the Calm Clinic. A recent VA study reported significant improvement in treatment-resistant depression for 86% of veteran participants who underwent ketamine infusion therapy.
To enhance the efficacy of ketamine infusion, some practitioners, like Torkom Ji, a meditative specialist, incorporate sound-based therapy. This additional method aims to prepare patients for a deeper sense of relaxation, helping them integrate the ketamine experience. The immersive nature of these emerging therapies offers transformative possibilities for veterans grappling with PTSD.
While approximately 14%-16% of veterans from the Global War on Terror experience PTSD, Zand believes that with personalized, compassionate care, these innovative treatments can bring about significant improvements. He emphasizes that mental health journeys are unique for each individual and should be approached with customization, love, and compassion for optimal results.
