When most people think of depression their minds go straight to typical depression, also called melancholic depression. This type of depression exhibits symptoms such as weight loss and decreased appetite, insomnia, and a decrease or absence of mood reactivity. Simply put, mood reactivity is an individual’s ability to react positively to temporary circumstances, such as receiving a compliment or hanging out with a friend. Essentially, in typical depression, a person has lost all pleasure in things they once enjoyed.
How is Atypical Depression Defined?
Juxtaposing typical depression, atypical depression is a subtype of both major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder, and is associated with specific symptoms like weight gain, hypersomnia, intense reactions (especially with regard to rejection) that get in the way of their relationships or work life, and heaviness in arms or legs. With regards to mood reactivity, a person with atypical depression will see their mood increase when something positive happens, and this is the main differentiator between the two. Unfortunately, atypical depression tends to be more treatment-resistant than typical depression, as many people who exhibit atypical symptoms don’t respond to the same medications as people with typical symptoms.
Does Ketamine Work for Both Types?
As ketamine infusion therapy has been on the rise for depression, especially treatment-resistant depression, it begs the question—is ketamine effective for both of these types? Ketamine has been used medicinally for over five centuries. While it is a powerful sedative that can be dangerous if not monitored, it is very versatile when administered safely and by an experienced doctor. In recent years, there has become an increasing amount of research done on ketamine’s effectiveness in treating depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other disorders.
A recent study by Park et al investigating the safety and efficacy of ketamine for depression found that, out of 68 patients with both treatment-resistant atypical and typical depression there were, “statistically significant rapid improvements in both typical/melancholic and atypical depressive symptoms.” While people who exhibited melancholic symptoms seemed to respond more quickly, in all three trials, people with both atypical and typical depression responded positively to ketamine infusions for depression. While more research needs to be done, these results are positive, and can present a new hope for people who are suffering from either form of treatment-resistant depression.
If you are suffering from treatment-resistant typical or atypical depression, ketamine infusion therapy might be right for you. Ketamine infusion therapy is there for those who feel like they have no hope. If you or a loved one needs help, contact VIP Ketamine for a free consultation today. Request a free consultation from our office today.