People with atypical depression experience symptoms similar to depression, including sadness, a feeling of emptiness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Atypical depression patients may also suffer from fear of rejection, difficulty maintaining relationships, increased appetite and a desire to sleep more often. They may experience mood swings, feeling happy during a positive event, but falling into deep depression when alone. Professional counseling helps improve the condition. Certain foods in a healthy diet may relieve depression by lifting moods.
Medication and Therapy
Doctors may prescribe medications used for major depression for patients with atypical depression, which may occur with mild and long-term depression. The medications may help improve moods by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, may include serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Patients may use atypical antidepressants, which may accompany other antidepressants, to be taken in the evening for relaxation. Psychotherapy helps patients understand the causes of their depression and how to make changes in their thoughts and behavior to cope better with situations that result in depression, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Whole Food Diets
Whole food diets rich in fruits, vegetables and fish may protect you from depression. Researchers at University College London and the University of Montpellier in France analyzed data dealing with 3,486 middle-aged people. The participants were divided into two dietary patterns. One group consumed a whole food diet, while the other group had a diet high in processed meats, refined grains, fried foods and sugary desserts. The researchers also assessed depression risk factors for the subjects. After five years, people eating the whole food diet had significantly lower depression risks than those on the processed food diet, it was reported in the November 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Psychiatry."
Fish
Fish has a prominent role in the Mediterranean diet, which also includes rich amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. A Spanish study of 10,094 subjects found those who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely had more than a 30 percent reduction in the risk of depression than people who followed the diet the least, ScienceDaily reports. Researchers followed the diets of the participants for more than four years. Symptoms of depression and mood swings have been found in people with deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tuna, salmon, mackerel and herring contain rich amounts of omega-3s.
Protein and Carbohydrates
Eating protein and carbohydrates help increase certain brain chemicals to improve moods, according to Middle Tennessee State University. The proteins found in meat, poultry, fish and dairy products release the amino acid tyrosine. The amino acid increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that help improve mental alertness. Carbohydrates, including whole grains, may provide a relaxing effect by helping to increase levels of the amino acid tryptophan, which converts to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin provides calming effects and helps with sleep.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Atypical Depression --- Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Atypical Depression --- Treatments and Drugs
- BJ Psych: Dietary Pattern and Depressive Symptoms in Middle Age
- ScienceDaily: Mediterranean Diet Associated With Reduced Risk of Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Middle Tennessee State University: Food, Mood and Neurotransmitters
