What Is The Definition Of Clinical Depression?

What Is The Definition Of Clinical Depression?

The Albany Clinic • December 28, 2021

It’s normal to feel sad or depressed in certain situations. It’s a part of life that everyone deals with occasionally. Typically, such feelings or low moods subside naturally, but when symptoms persist for weeks, even with treatment, you may be suffering the early signs of clinical depression.

What Is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression is a major medical illness that adversely affects how you think, the way you feel, and your actions. People with clinical depression can’t function as they used to, often losing interest in once enjoyable activities and feeling hopeless and sad for a long time. It can affect the body, behavior, moods, and thoughts. Depression changes eating habits, how you feel and think, studying and working, and interactions with other people.

Important Facts

The consequences of clinical depression can’t be understated. Besides ranking as a top mental health condition in America, it has a broad reach worldwide.

  • Globally, nearly 300 million people across multiple groups experience depression.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) calls it a leading cause of disability globally and a big supplier to the total global weight of disease.
  • Depression affects more women than men.
  • Depression can result in suicide.

The WHO says, “There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for moderate and severe depression.” Years of research have uncovered the potential of unique medicinal options, including ketamine, a popular anesthetic.

Is It Different From Stress And Sadness?

If you or a loved one is depressed, you’ve likely heard someone say, “Shake it off, you’re just sad” or “Stress sucks.” Feeling depressed and sad is often a typical reaction to something stressful going on in your life. Look at it like this – it’s common to have a low mood following a big disappointment or to experience problems sleeping or eating after ending a personal relationship. Typically, after talking to a friend or loved one, you begin to feel like yourself again within a short time. But clinical depression is far different. It’s typified by a noticeable shift in how you function, with common symptoms like irritability and loss of sleep lingering for two weeks or more.

These are typical experiences that some people can have when suffering from clinical depression, but the condition manifests itself differently for each person. Unlike normal sadness and stress, the signs of clinical depression linger and don’t subside no matter how much you wish otherwise. That’s often when you know it’s time to get help.

Signs And Symptoms

  • Feelings of tearfulness , sadness, hopelessness, emptiness.
  • Anger, irritability, or frustration, even over tiny issues.
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, like sex, hobbies, or sports.
  • Difficulty sleeping – including insomnia – or sleeping more than average.
  • Tiredness and lack of energy, resulting in abnormal effort.
  • Weight loss and less hunger or boosted cravings for food resulting in weight gain.
  • Anxiety, restlessness, or agitation.
  • Slower thinking, speech, or bodily motions.
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, obsession with past failures.
  • Problems thinking, concentrating, memory, and decision making.
  • Preoccupation with thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts.
  • Inexplicable physical ailments, like headaches or back pain.

Causes

Research is ongoing, but doctors and scientists believe clinical and other depression are caused by changes within the brain, specifically with neurotransmitters and how cells communicate. Depression may result from genetics like a blood relative who’s depressed, biological processes , temperament, stressful events, and even environmental factors.

How To Diagnose

At a minimum, getting diagnosed with depression requires a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation, as well as lab tests and other diagnostics to look for a root cause. Your healthcare provider will then consult with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fifth Edition, most recently updated in 2013.

Types Of Treatment

Many psychological and pharmacological treatments are available to treat clinical depression, most prominently in-patient or out-patient counseling or medicine prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Effective care depends on many factors, including the severity of the depression, overall physical health, history of mental illness, and your commitment to whatever treatment is recommended. In some cases, doctors and clinicians may recommend innovative treatments like ketamine – which was introduced as an anesthetic in the 1960s.

Final Thoughts

Clinical depression is a severe mental health illness that can lead to dangerous health problems, including an increased risk of suicide. It can never be cured, but different kinds of treatment can help manage its most prevalent symptoms. Call us today to learn more about innovative new treatments like ketamine infusions that may be able to help you find relief.

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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