Ketamine therapy gives veteran her life back after trauma
Donna Manton, an ADF veteran with complex PTSD, found relief through ketamine infusions at a Canberra clinic.
Donna Manton spent 32 years in the air force and army. Trauma from deployments and sexual assaults left her unable to function normally.
In 2021, a fellow veteran suggested she try ketamine infusions at Canberra's ReviveMed clinic. During treatment, doctors inject ketamine to block receptors in the brain.
Sessions last 40 minutes to an hour. Medical staff watch closely throughout.
Manton now has fewer extreme mood swings. She manages her emotions better in counselling.
The clinic has given over 1,000 infusions since 2019. More than 300 patients have used it.
It is believed to be Australia's only private ketamine therapy practice. Most patients get six infusions over two weeks.
Then they get maintenance doses every three to four weeks. Manton now works part-time and studies.
She is planning to marry next year.
- 32 years in air force and army
- Military service years
- 1000
- Infusions provided since 2019
- 300 plus
- Patients treated since 2019
- 40 minutes to 1 hour
- Session duration
Why it mattersKetamine infusions offer hope for people with treatment-resistant PTSD and depression. They show big mental health improvement when other treatments have failed.
AustraliaAustralian veterans funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs now have access to a specialised mental health treatment that allows many to rebuild their lives.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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