Atypical depression is anything but atypical. Atypical depression is actually the most common form of depression in outpatients, according to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. While the cause of atypical depression isn't completely understood, chemical, biological and social factors are thought to play a role. Medication and psychotherapy may help atypical depression. Additionally, certain nutritional supplements such as chromium may also provide benefits.
Atypical Depression Facts
Atypical depression results in "typical" symptoms of depression, including sadness, tearfulness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Additionally, atypical depression also results in features that differ somewhat from those of other clinical depressive disorders. According to MayoClinic.com, some of the common symptoms of atypical depression are an increased appetite with a significant desire for carbohydrates, an increased need for sleep, being sensitive to rejection or criticism and weight gain. Atypical depressive symptoms may improve when you hear good news or experience positive events, but tends to return when these events subside. Women are more likely to experience atypical depression than men. Atypical depression may be treated with antidepressant medication and counseling. Some people, hoping to avoid the undesirable side effects of certain medications, turn to natural and holistic treatments, such as mind-body approaches like biofeedback, yoga or nutritional supplementation.
Importance of Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that is required for certain physiological functions, such as regulating blood sugar and enhancing insulin signaling. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the average adults male requires around 35 micrograms of chromium daily, while the average adult female needs around 25 micrograms. Most people obtain or exceed these requirements from dietary intake. Foods that have a high chromium content include broccoli, potatoes, garlic and orange juice and beef.
Chromium for Atypical Depression
In some cases, atypical depression may be the result of blood sugar disorders such as reactive hypoglycemia or dysinsulinism, according to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. In these instances, chromium supplements may be beneficial for improving blood sugar regulation. Several studies support the claim that chromium may help with certain features of atypical depression. A study published in the September 2005 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatric Practice" examined the effects of chromium supplementation on adult outpatients suffering from atypical depression. The participants who received chromium experienced significant benefits in the areas of appetite and carbohydrate craving. Another study, published in the February 2003 issue of "Biological Psychiatry" showed that chromium supplementation had a beneficial antidepressant effect on most study participants suffering from atypical depression.
Considerations
While chromium supplementation may have a beneficial effect on atypical depression, you should not use supplements in place of prescription medication unless under medical supervision. Chromium is not a cure for atypical depression. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, chromium may have an adverse interaction with certain medications. Inform your doctor if you plan to take chromium, especially if you use prescription or over-the-counter medications on a regular basis.
References
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Chromium Effective for Atypical Depression
- MayoClinic.com: Atypical Depression: Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Chromium
- "Journal of Psychiatric Practice"; A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Exploratory Trial of Chromium Picolinate...; J. Docherty et al; Sep. 2005
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Effectiveness of Chromium in Atypical Depression...; J. Davidson et al; Feb. 2003
