Atypical depression and Symptoms

Atypical depression is actually the most common subtype of depression in outpatients It is as opposed to major depression, the patient with atypical features experiences mood reactivity, with improved mood when something good happens. In addition, at least two of the following: increase in appetite or weight gain (as opposed to the reduced appetite or weight loss of "typical" depression); excessive sleeping (as opposed to insomnia); leaden paralysis; and sensitivity to rejection.

Atypical depression is a type of depression that overwhelms an individual almost to the point of emotional paralysis. Oftentimes, atypical depression is set off by perceived as well as real rejections so that even a constructive criticism is taken as a personal affront.

If you are battling atypical depression, you probably feel extremely sensitive to criticism. If you are married or have a significant other, you may feel a bout of depression if he or she does not give you a hug or turns away from you instead of holding you while sleeping together.

You may eat too much and turn to comfort foods such as hot chocolate, roast beef and gravy or carbohydrates when you experience atypical depression. Don't be surprised if it's hard to get out of bed or if you sleep more than 10 hours with atypical depression.

People with atypical depression feel sluggish so that even daily ordinary tasks seem too complicated and cumbersome. A romantic break-up or death in the family may set off serious symptoms of atypical depression.

Atypical depression often follows rejections by close friends, co-workers or family members.

Atypical depression is not new. Indeed, it is one of the most common kinds of depression. The name atypical depression comes from the fact many of its symptoms are opposite to those of some severe depressions. For example people with atypical depression tend to overeat and oversleep. In contrast, people with depression can't eat or sleep. You may feel anxious instead of numb.

If you have atypical depression, you may feel as though your body is so heavy you can't lift your head or walk.

Experts have linked atypical depression to other psychiatric problems such as borderline personality disorder, but only a professional can diagnose you with having atypical depression. Atypical depression may occur together with panic disorder. Many people with atypical depression abuse drugs or alcohol.

If you are diagnosed with atypical depression, your psychiatrist may prescribe a MAOI as opposed to a tricyclic antidepressant. He or she may also prescribe an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that do not have the same side effects as associated with MAOIs. SSRI medications include fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine that usually take a month to start working.

Symptoms of Atypical Depression

Younger age was positively associated with hypersomnia and negatively associated with leaden paralysis, while middle age was positively associated with both hyperphagia and rejection sensitivity

Female sex was associated with all of the atypical symptoms except rejection sensitivity

A greater severity of illness was positively associated with leaden paralysis and rejection sensitivity, and negatively associated with mood reactivity

A duration of illness of greater than 3 months was positively associated with hyperphagia, leaden paralysis, and rejection sensitivity.

Thus, the five atypical features do not appear to be associated with the same clinical profiles.

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