Depression is divided into a number of subtypes that can help determine the best courses of treatment. Atypical depression was first described in the 1930s and has several defining characteristics.
Features
Atypical depression is diagnosed by having at least two of the following: being very sensitive to real or perceived rejection, excessive sleepiness, weight gain and/or appetite increase, feelings of physical heaviness, mood being brightened by positive events.
Not So 'Atypical'
Although it is called "atypical," suggesting only a small sub-group of people has this type of depression, it can actually affect more than a third of people with depression.
Gender and Age
More women are diagnosed with atypical depression, and it more often starts at an early age, often the teen years. Atypical depression tends to be chronic.
Association With Other Disorders
People with atypical depression are more likely to have panic disorder, body image problems and social phobias, according to a January 2002 study by Michael Posternak and Mark Zimmerman found in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Treatment
Atypical depression may respond well to an antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitor, as shown by a February 2002 study by Jonathon Stewart and colleagues published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, but some side effects are associated with this medication, so users should be monitored carefully. Psychological counseling is also recommended.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry;" Recognition and Diagnosis of Atypical Depression. Michael Thase; 2007 supplement
- Atypical Depression
- "Archives of General Psychiatry;" Partial Validation of the Atypical Features Subtype of Major Depressive Disorder; Michael Posternak and Mark Zimmerman; January 2002
- "Neuropsychopharmacology;" Do Age of Onset and Course of Illness Predict Different Treatment Outcome Among DSM IV Depressive Disorders With Atypical Features?; Jonathon Stewart et al; February 2002
