Australians in Lviv are researching new methods of treating PTSD
A joint Ukrainian-Australian study on new approaches to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other consequences of combat trauma in military personnel and veterans has begun in Lviv.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Australian medical company Aspen Medical and involves studying the effectiveness of modern clinical methods, specifically stellate ganglion blocks, as well as their potential combination with ketamine-assisted therapy.
This is not a mass medical program, but rather a research initiative aimed at assessing the extent to which such interventions can help reduce symptoms of PTSD and anxiety and improve the quality of life for patients following combat experiences.
A stellate ganglion block is a medical procedure that involves targeting a nerve cluster in the neck region associated with the body’s stress responses. In a number of countries, this method is already being studied as a potential tool for reducing the manifestations of post-traumatic disorders and the consequences of severe stress.
In the Ukrainian context, the development of such research is particularly important given the growing number of military personnel and veterans who require comprehensive psychological and medical care. Experts emphasize that the rehabilitation system must combine both traditional therapeutic approaches and new methods, provided their effectiveness and safety are confirmed.
Aspen Medical has been collaborating with Ukraine since 2022 and has already participated in projects focused on the development of trauma care, military surgery training, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and pain management. The company’s participation in the new study is seen as a combination of international experience and Ukrainian practices in treating combat injuries in wartime conditions.
As a reminder, psychologist Valentina Petrenko spoke about working with PTSD.
