Atypical depression is a common type of depression, named due to the opposing symptoms that occur in clinically diagnosed major depressive disorders. Work Psych Associates Incorporated notes that the symptoms of atypical depression begin in adolescence or young adulthood with cycles of depression instead of constant bouts of low mood. Additionally, atypical depression presents with increased appetite, unlike typical depression. The distinguishing features of atypical depression, although minute, are similar to typical depression in causing disruptions of daily life, suicidal thinking and potential complications in various life domains. Testing to determine diagnosis is done in a similar fashion as typical depression, such as psychological evaluation, lab work and meeting the general criteria for major depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Beck Depression Inventory
The Beck Depression Inventory, or BDI, is a reliable and valid test for determining the presence of depressive symptoms. The Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research notes that this tool is effective across ages, beginning at 13 years old through to the elderly population. The BDI is a tool helpful in measuring the existence of depression and severity. In addition to the results of the BDI, diagnosis of atypical depression is determined based on meeting certain criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The BDI is a 21-item inventory self-administered in the presence of a clinician. A study published in the "American Journal of Psychiatry" in 2002 found that the BDI was a useful assessment tool in exploring the presence of atypical depression. The study concluded that atypical depression is deserving of specific mention as a spectrum disorder in the DSM rather than as a grouping of symptoms within the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Short Form
According to the Mayo Clinic, atypical depression often starts in the teen years, and youth with a history of traumatic experience may be at increased risk of developing symptoms. The Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Short Form is available to assess for clinical depression in adolescents. This test comes as a self-administered screening done in the presence of a clinician. A study published in the journal "Academic Pediatrics" in 2008 showed that the MFQ-SF is accurate in identifying depression in youth. This form paired with meeting DSM diagnostic criteria further aids in identifying atypical depression in adolescents.
Geriatric Depression Scale
The Geriatric Depression Scale in short form is a 15-item questionnaire for use in persons over age 55. The Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research notes that a clinician can easily administer this scale to determine the presence of depressive symptoms. The Geriatric Depression Scale is an effective and valid screening tool for identifying symptoms of atypical depression in the elderly.
Standard Testing and Precautions
The standard testing for any form of depression can include a full physical examination, laboratory testing and further psychological evaluation for diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic notes this is important for any age group to rule out other potential conditions that might cause depression. To diagnose atypical depression, standard testing must rule out medical conditions. After psychological evaluation, including depression questionnaires, criteria for clinical diagnosis via the DSM are considered. Atypical depression does not have stand alone criteria, and therefore symptoms of major depression must be met initially.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Atypical Depression
- Work Psych Associates Incorporated: Atypical Depression
- Resource Center for Minority Aging Research: Depression Assessment Tools
- Academic Pediatrics: Anxiety and Depression Screening for Youth in a Primary Care Population
- "American Journal of Psychiatry": Atypical Depression A Reappraisal, 2002.
