What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

The Albany Clinic • June 3, 2022

Major depressive disorder, also known as “clinical depression” or simply “depression,” is a mental health condition characterized by depressed mood, loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable, low energy levels, and other symptoms. 

Depression can cause significant problems in a person’s life and may even lead to suicide.

While anyone can experience a period of sadness or grief, major depressive disorder is more than just a temporary case of the blues. Clinical depression is a real medical condition that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physical health. It can last for weeks, months, or years if left untreated.

In this article from The Albany Clinic, we’ll take an in-depth look at major depressive disorder, including the potential causes and triggers, common symptoms, and typical treatments used to help those with this condition. 

We’ll also explore the use of ketamine therapy in treating major depressive disorder.

What Is Major Depressive Disorder, and How Prevalent Is It?

Major depressive disorder is a common mental health condition that affects millions of adults in the United States each year. 

In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health , an estimated 21 million American adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020.

As stated above, this condition is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. Major depressive disorder is a serious medical condition that can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life, from their personal relationships to their work performance.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world, and it can affect people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. However, this condition is most often diagnosed in adults aged 18-25 years old. 

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men.

What Causes Major Depressive Disorder?

The cause of clinical depression is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Biological Factors: Clinical depression may be caused by changes in the brain. Certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells) are thought to play a role in mood regulation. An imbalance in these chemicals may lead to symptoms of depression.

Psychological Factors: Psychological factors that may contribute to depression include negative thinking patterns, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. People who have experienced trauma or stressful life events (such as the death of a loved one) are also at an increased risk for developing clinical depression.

Social Factors: Social factors that may contribute to depression include isolation, chronic stress, and exposure to violence.

What Are the Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

The symptoms of major depressive disorder can vary from person to person. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. 

The severity of the symptoms also varies from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of clinical depression include:

  • Depressed Mood: A feeling of sadness or emptiness that lasts for more than two weeks.
  • Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities That Were Once Enjoyed: A loss of interest in hobbies, work, social activities, or sex.
  • Changes in Appetite: Weight gain or weight loss due to changes in appetite.
  • Sleep Problems: Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time or having little energy.
  • Anxiety: Feeling restless, irritable, or on edge.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions.
  • Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Negative thoughts about oneself.
  • Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurring thoughts of death or harming oneself.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to see a mental health professional for an evaluation. Depression is a treatable condition, but it requires professional help.

What Are the Potential Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder?

The most common treatments for major depressive disorder are psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is a type of counseling that can help people with depression understand and manage their condition. 

Types of psychotherapy used to treat depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Medication is another standard treatment for depression. Antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medication and work by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. 

Common types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

In some cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be necessary to effectively treat clinical depression — though these methods and treatments may not work for everyone. Those who fail to find relief while undergoing these traditional treatments may have what’s known as “ treatment-resistant depression .”

In these cases, additional treatment options may be necessary, such as ketamine therapy.

Ketamine Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic for surgeries. In recent years, however, ketamine has shown promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

Ketamine works by binding to a receptor in the brain called the NMDA receptor. This interaction inhibits the release of glutamate, which leads to changes in brain activity.

Research suggests that ketamine may be effective in treating major depressive disorder because it can quickly reduce symptoms. In one study , ketamine significantly improved depression symptoms within two hours — with the slowest relief from symptoms found after four hours. 

It is thought that the rapid onset of action may be due to the fact that ketamine binds directly to the NMDA receptor, while other antidepressants work indirectly.

Another advantage of ketamine therapy is that it is not associated with the same side effects as other antidepressants. Common side effects of SSRIs and TCAs include weight gain, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects can often be so severe that people stop taking their medication.

Ketamine therapy is currently being studied as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder and other conditions. If you are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at The Albany Clinic.

Find Relief From Major Depressive Disorder at The Albany Clinic

If you or someone you know is struggling with major depressive disorder, The Albany Clinic can help. We offer ketamine therapy, a treatment that has shown promise in quickly reducing symptoms of depression.

Our compassionate team of expert medical providers will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. We understand the challenges associated with depression and are here to support you on your journey to recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about ketamine therapy and how we can help you find relief from depression.

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Ketamine for PTSD: Science, Benefits, and What to Expect

By Kimberly Mercille • September 4, 2025
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. Nightmares, flashbacks, and a constant sense of being “on edge” can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you’ve tried therapy or medications without lasting relief, you’re not alone—and there may be another option. At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we specialize in ketamine therapy as a promising treatment for PTSD. Understanding PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing trauma. While everyone responds to trauma differently, common symptoms include: Intrusive memories or flashbacks Avoidance of reminders of the trauma Emotional numbness or detachment Heightened anxiety , irritability , or trouble sleeping Some people also develop complex PTSD (CPTSD) , which stems from repeated or prolonged trauma. CPTSD often comes with additional challenges, such as difficulty regulating emotions or maintaining healthy relationships. Current Treatments and Their Limitations The most common treatments for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) , and antidepressant medications . For many people, these treatments can be helpful. However, they also come with challenges: Medications may take weeks to work and don’t help everyone. Therapy can take months or years to create lasting change. Therapies can be difficult to engage with, as they involve discussing the trauma, which can be distressing or may cause someone to shut down emotionally. Some individuals continue to experience severe symptoms despite treatment. This is where ketamine therapy offers a new avenue of hope. How Ketamine May Help PTSD Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of gradually altering brain chemistry, ketamine acts quickly on key brain circuits involved in mood and fear. Rebalancing brain activity : Ketamine boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex , the part of the brain that helps regulate emotions. It also decreases activity in the amygdala , the brain’s fear center, helping reduce anxiety and hypervigilance. Promoting neuroplasticity : Ketamine encourages new connections between brain areas, helping “rewire” pathways associated with PTSD symptoms. Supporting fear extinction : Ketamine supports fear extinction, the process by which the brain ‘unlearns’ fearful responses to things it expects to be threatening. This is especially important in PTSD, where people may react to safe situations or cues as if they were actual threats. Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD Research continues to grow, but studies and clinical experience have shown several promising benefits: Rapid relief : Many patients notice improvements within hours to days, rather than weeks. This can be especially important during a mental health crisis or for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Effective when other treatments have failed : Ketamine can offer relief even for people who haven’t responded to medications or therapy. Sustained improvement : With a series of treatments, many patients experience lasting relief from PTSD symptoms. Increases the benefits of other therapies : Ketamine may speed up the outcomes of other trauma-based therapies, such as prolonged exposure therapy . In a 2021 study , people with severe PTSD received either ketamine or a comparison drug over two weeks. Those given ketamine showed much faster and greater improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms. About 67% had significantly improved symptoms , with the biggest differences in intrusive memories, avoidance, and negative thoughts and mood. The treatment was also well-tolerated with few adverse effects. Ketamine Treatment for PTSD at the Albany Clinic At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we are dedicated to providing safe, effective ketamine therapy for people with PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. We administer ketamine intravenously to support a rapid reduction in symptoms. Here’s what you can expect: A thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before treatment begins Comfortable, private treatment rooms Careful monitoring by experienced medical professionals throughout each session A personalized treatment plan designed around your needs During your treatment, you’ll have a small plastic catheter inserted into a vein in your arm, which will deliver ketamine straight into your bloodstream. You may experience mild side effects, such as dizziness and dissociation , which can make you feel disconnected from your body and the world around you. These typically wear off after the session is finished. The infusion takes 45 minutes to one hour , and you’ll be closely monitored by staff during the infusion and afterwards to ensure your safety. We’ll provide you with guidance on aftercare once you’re done and how to make the most of your new headspace. Most people with PTSD require multiple infusions to experience sustained, meaningful changes. However, the treatment plan will be tailored according to your unique needs. Get in Touch Today If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and current treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, ketamine therapy may be an option worth exploring. At the Albany Clinic, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch to find out more.

Innovative Depression Treatments That Saved My Life

By Matt Rodriguez • September 2, 2025
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people across all walks of life. While many find relief through traditional methods, they don’t work for everyone. Some people can struggle with depression for nearly a lifetime, and in severe cases, may even consider taking their own lives. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in innovative, evidence-based treatments that can help patients overcome depression, even when other therapies haven’t worked. In this article, we’ll discuss these treatments and how clinics such as our own are saving lives.

In-Clinic vs. At-Home Ketamine Therapy: What’s Best for Your Mental Health?

By Kimberly Mercille • July 9, 2025
As ketamine therapy becomes increasingly popular for treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, more people are exploring their options. At-home ketamine therapy gained traction during the pandemic for its convenience, but without medical supervision, this approach may come with elevated risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences and pros and cons of in-clinic versus at-home ketamine therapy. What Is In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy? IV Ketamine Treatment In-clinic ketamine therapy involves receiving treatment at a licensed medical facility, such as The Albany Clinic , where professionals monitor and administer the medication under strict protocols. This ensures your safety, especially during your initial sessions. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy , which has been most well-researched when it comes to treating mental health disorders. IV ketamine bypasses the digestive system, delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream. IV ketamine can help relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression , anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and more. During an infusion at our clinic, you’ll rest in a calm, controlled environment while ketamine is delivered into a vein through a catheter. Our trained staff will closely monitor your vital signs and mental state throughout the session, adjusting the dose of ketamine if needed. We’ll observe you after treatment to ensure any side effects are managed promptly and effectively. Spravato We also offer Spravato (esketamine) at our clinic, a nasal spray based on ketamine. Unlike other forms of ketamine treatment, Spravato is approved by the FDA and is specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts . Spravato is only approved for in-clinic use under professional supervision and cannot be administered at home, making clinical oversight a legal and medical necessity for this treatment option. During a Spravato session, you’ll self-administer the medication under the supervision of our medical staff. We’ll then closely monitor you for a couple of hours to ensure you’re safe and all side effects have subsided before leaving. What Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy? At-home ketamine therapy allows patients to self-administer the ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges or nasal sprays, delivered via mail. While this option offers flexibility, it usually involves minimal supervision , often limited to virtual check-ins with healthcare providers. Some at-home providers offer optional video support during sessions, but this is not always the case. Patients are largely responsible for monitoring their own physical and emotional reactions, without the benefit of immediate medical intervention if adverse effects occur. At-home treatment often includes supplementary materials , such as guided meditations or journaling tools. However, the lack of real-time clinical oversight makes this option less ideal for those with complex or severe mental health needs. Safety Considerations: In-Clinic vs. At-Home While ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients, it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects , including: Physical Risks: Elevated blood pressure or heart rate Nausea or vomiting Sedation or dizziness Impaired coordination Rare allergic reactions Psychological Risks: Hallucinations or dissociation Temporary confusion or anxiety Emotional vulnerability during treatment Risk of misuse or dependency The FDA has issued warnings about at-home ketamine use due to its potential for abuse and lack of medical supervision . Without proper monitoring, the risk of addiction and long-term complications, such as bladder damage and cognitive decline, may increase. Key Differences Between In-Clinic and At-Home Ketamine Therapy