Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder with ketamine therapy hypnosis and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The obsessive-compulsive disorder severely restricts the life of the affected person through compulsive thoughts and actions.
There are obsessive thoughts (e.g., something could happen to a relative) as well as compulsive actions (e.g., having to turn on the light, having to wash one’s hands constantly, etc.). People who suffer from OCD are unable to suppress these compulsive thoughts or actions, even though they are aware that these actions are nonsensical. When they try to suppress the particular compulsive action, great anxiety arises.
It often takes many years from the onset of symptoms until help is sought, as the sufferer usually feels great shame. Often the treatment of secondary symptoms (e.g. hand eczema) leads to the treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is treatable by psychotherapy and pharmacology. Behavioral therapy, depth psychology-based psychotherapy, and hypnosis are effective treatments for OCD. Pharmacologically, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (anti-depression and anti-anxiety agents) are most commonly used in high doses, but they often prove to be less effective and can produce unpleasant side effects.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder with ketamine infusions
Many studies confirm the effectiveness of ketamine infusions in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Through Ketamine therapy, a significant decrease or even complete disappearance of symptoms in most patients can be achieved. In some cases, the effect is maintained for several weeks after a single infusion. As a rule, however, several infusions are administered at short intervals. Accompanying intensive psychotherapy helps to avoid permanent medication.
In our practice, the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder with ketamine therapy is usually combined with hypnosis, which leads to a significantly enhanced and lasting effect. Behavioral exposure training – possibly in virtual reality – may also be part of the treatment.
Also effective, and FDA-approved, is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This method uses powerful magnetic waves to regulate the activity of areas of the brain responsible for causing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and neurofeedback also prove helpful.
With intensive treatment, significant improvements in symptoms of OCD can be achieved after just a few days.
Book an appointment for a psychotherapeutic evaluation with one of our therapists:
All procedures
- Ketamine therapy
- Hypnosis
- Behavioral therapy
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy
- Neurofeedback
- HRV biofeedback and peripheral biofeedback
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- Yoga
F.A.Q. Ketamine treatment
Frequently asked questions about our Ketamine treatment
For privately insured patients, treatment is usually covered – depending on the contract. For patients with statutory german health insurance, the decision is often made on a case-by-case basis. If a depression has already been treated several times without success, it is called therapy-resistant depression. In this case, the chances are good of the costs being covered or at least a contribution to the costs is approved.
We are currently the only center in Europe where ketamine therapy, rTMS and intensive psychotherapy are offered simultaneously.
Ketamine is also used in the drug scene – but in a much higher dosage and not as a continuous infusion, but as a single dose. At this dosage, the depth of the trance cannot be controlled. Continuous use of high doses can cause chronic bladder infections.
There is no potential for dependence at the dosage used to treat depression and other conditions.
Ketamine has been an approved drug since 1970. When used for the treatment of depression, compulsions, etc., it is a so-called “off label” treatment. These therapies are common and legal, but are not always covered by health insurance.
