What is Atypical Depression?

adminDepression

Major depression is defined as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness. Atypical depression, on the other hand, sounds scary, but it is actually very common and, as depressions go, a better one to have. Mood reactivity is the distinguishing factor. In other words, someone with atypical depression will experience their mood lifting when something positive happens. I major depression, there is little or no mood reactivity.

Symptoms of Atypical Depression:

  • Depression that lifts or elevates due to positive events or news
  • Weight gain, increased appetite
  • Extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism
  • Increased need for sleep, upwards of 10 hours a day
  • Heavy feeling in arms or legs that lasts for an hour or more each day, different from fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Poor body image
  • Disordered eating
  • Aches and pains

Because atypical depression can occur as a feature of major depression or of persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia), symptoms can overlap making diagnosis important. Many researchers are now beginning to believe that atypical depression is part of a larger group of disorders called reactive depressive disorder or depressions caused by a reaction to external events or situations.

Because atypical depression can mimic hypothyroidism it’s important for the doctor to do a thorough physical exam and test for thyroid issues.

While the cause of atypical depression is not known for certain, many believe it to be due to an impaired functioning of the circuits that regulate mood.  Antidepressants can be helpful in treating atypical depression.

Risk factors include:

  • Abuse – physical, emotional or sexual
  • Major life events such as change in job, divorce, death of a loved one
  • Family history of depression
  • Serious illness
  • Alcohol or drug abuse

Treatment for atypical depression includes psychotherapy and/or medications depending on the severity of symptoms.

While atypical depression can get better on its own, if you feel depressed there is no reason for you to suffer, so contact a doctor for assistance. If you feel as if you will hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 immediately or call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.