Authors: Jason Chang, DNP, ARNP-C
Affiliations: AVYIA
Corresponding Author/Contact: jason.chang@avyia.com
Abstract
Abstract
Mrs. Physicist Dreamer, a 64‑year‑old widow, endured persistent PTSD and complicated grief after witnessing her husband’s home death from cancer in late 2023. Standard EMDR therapy provided insufficient relief. With family encouragement, she pursued a course of IV ketamine infusions at AVYIA, experiencing profound psychedelic reconnections with her late husband and significant mood stabilization within weeks. A single booster during the holiday season sustained her progress, allowing her to engage joyfully in family gatherings.
Background
PTSD arising from traumatic bereavement—especially when loved ones die in distressing circumstances at home—can resist first‑line psychotherapies and prolong functional impairment. Traditional modalities like EMDR often yield gradual or incomplete response for grief‑related PTSD, leaving patients trapped in recurrent flashbacks and emotional numbing.
Introducing the Research
This report by Jason Chang, DNP, ARNP‑C at AVYIA examines Mrs. Dreamer’s rapid response to a structured IV ketamine protocol following inadequate EMDR outcomes. It highlights ketamine’s capacity to foster molecular and experiential neuroplasticity, enabling reconsolidation of traumatic memories and restoration of baseline affect. The research is also featured in
What You’ll Learn
How ketamine’s rapid neuroplastic effects can interrupt entrenched PTSD pathways.
The role of guided psychedelic experiences in grief processing.
Practical considerations for booster dosing during high‑stress periods.
Breaking Down the Research Article
A. The Big Question
Can a series of IV ketamine infusions produce rapid and sustained relief from PTSD and complicated grief in a patient unresponsive to EMDR?
B. How They Did It (Study Design & Methods – Simplified)
Patient Profile: 64‑year‑old widowed retired physicist, diagnosed with PTSD in early 2024.
Previous Treatment: Weekly EMDR sessions for 6 months with minimal symptom reduction.
Trigger for Change: Family reports of ketamine success in mood disorders.
Protocol:
Six IV ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg over 40 min) on a twice‑weekly schedule.
Therapeutic integration: Brief post‑session debrief with a licensed therapist.
One booster infusion timed prior to a major family holiday.
C. Key Findings (The Takeaway)
Immediate Symptom Relief: Mrs. Dreamer reported her first reduction in flashbacks and hyperarousal immediately post‑first infusion.
Psychedelic Processing: In-session visions of her wedding dance and shared travel memories facilitated emotional reconnection and grief resolution.
Sustained Mood Stabilization: By session four, her daily functioning and stress tolerance returned to baseline healthy levels.
Booster Benefit: A single holiday‑season infusion prevented relapse of anxiety during extended family gatherings.
“He appeared to me, and we broke into tiny particles dancing together… I felt whole again.”
D. What Does This Mean For You? (Implications & Significance)
For Patients: Ketamine IV can unlock rapid PTSD relief—even when traditional therapies plateau.
For Providers: Integrating psychedelic insights with structured dosing and therapeutic support enhances long‑term outcomes.
For Grief Care: Booster infusions timed around known stressors can reinforce gains and prevent relapse.
E. Important Considerations & Limitations
Single Case: Outcomes may vary; further case series are needed.
Psychedelic Variability: Individual experiences can differ widely and require skilled integration.
Medical Oversight: IV ketamine must be administered under close monitoring to manage potential side effects.
Conclusion: Ketamine IV as a Catalyst for Healing
Recap
Mrs. Dreamer’s case illustrates that IV ketamine infusions, paired with therapeutic integration, can rapidly alleviate PTSD and complicated grief resistant to EMDR.
Future Directions
Larger cohorts and controlled trials should explore optimal infusion schedules and integration strategies, particularly for bereavement‑related PTSD.
Call to Action
If traditional PTSD therapies haven’t produced needed relief, consult a licensed ketamine provider to discuss whether IV ketamine, with proper support, could be transformative for your healing journey.
References
References available upon request.
