Depression does not look the same in everyone, and there are many different types of depressive disorders that are defined by the severity of the symptoms and how long they last. It’s especially important to understand all of the different circumstances and symptoms defining severe depressive disorders in order to find a suitable treatment plan for such a complex disease.
While depression can range in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression, clinical depression is the most-severe form of depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD. It’s not the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition. To diagnose clinical depression, many doctors use the symptom criteria for major depressive disorder published by the American Psychiatric Association. Signs and symptoms of clinical depression may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
While the majority of depression disorders include prolonged sadness as their main symptom, there is a subtype that is known as Atypical Depressive Disorder that can present as quite the opposite of what you might expect. For instance, some people are capable of being completely functional by putting on a smile each day and forcing themselves to participate at work or school. People with this type of depression may feel apathetic about life but describe themselves as going through the motions. They may also struggle with an increased appetite and insomnia that is disruptive to their life.
Major depressive disorder, or MDD, occurs when a person experiences these symptoms for longer than two weeks. The symptoms of MDD also tend to be more severe than that of a person with mild symptom experiences. While signs of severe depression can occasionally come and go, a person with persistent depressive disorder finds that they have symptoms most days for two years or more. Clinical depression symptoms, even if severe, usually improve with psychological counseling, antidepressant medications or a combination of the two. However, people with persistent symptoms should explore every treatment possible to find one that works, in which case Ketamine treatment is often recommended.
What you are feeling is not simply the short-lived result of one of life’s disappointments. Severe depression, or MDD, is something quite different, and is more likely associated with feelings of intense sadness, low self-worth, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you love is dealing with a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), have not responded to other medication, and are looking for a new depression treatment, Ketamine Infusions can help. Numerous studies at world-renowned institutions and over 7 years’ worth of treatment experience in our offices show that safe, low-dose Ketamine Infusions alleviates suffering in over 70% of patients. And unlike other anti-depressant medication, which can take 6-8 weeks to take effect, Ketamine can begin to work quickly, sometimes after just one or two treatments. Over 2,000 patients thus far have experienced some form of relief from Dr. Brooks’ unique, next-level protocols and compassionate, personalized care. Visit www.albanyketamine.com to schedule your free consultation today.
