Some Crucial Facts About Depression That You Should Know

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.

Depression can make it difficult to function in daily life and can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for depression, including the emerging use of ketamine infusions for depression treatment.

Table of Contents

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can manifest in a variety of ways, but some common symptoms include:

Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping
Changes in appetite and weight
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but if they persist for more than two weeks, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional.

Causes of Depression

The exact cause of depression is not entirely understood, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors can contribute to its development. Some risk factors for depression include:

Family history of depression or other mental health conditions
Trauma or stressful life events, such as abuse, loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties
Chronic medical conditions or illnesses
Substance abuse or addiction
Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause
Brain chemistry imbalances, such as low levels of serotonin or dopamine

Treatment Options for Depression

There are several effective treatments available for depression, including:

Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, can help individuals with depression identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their symptoms. Different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), may be used depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Medication: Antidepressants are a commonly prescribed medication for depression. They work by balancing brain chemicals that regulate mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. However, they can take several weeks to take effect, and some people may not respond to them or experience side effects that make them difficult to tolerate.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to one’s daily habits, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs, can help improve symptoms of depression.

Ketamine Infusions for Depression Treatment

Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug that has been used for decades in medical settings. Its ability to produce a trance-like state and block pain signals has made it useful in surgical and emergency settings.

However, research has also shown that ketamine can have rapid antidepressant effects, even in people who have not responded to traditional treatments.

The exact way that ketamine works to relieve depression is still being studied, but researchers believe that it may increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as glutamate and BDNF, that are involved in regulating mood. Ketamine also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to its antidepressant effects.

There are also potential side effects of ketamine, including nausea, dizziness, and dissociation, which can be managed by adjusting the dosage or stopping the infusion if necessary.