Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, MD, of the Mayo Clinic states that atypical depression has different symptoms and treatment options than other forms of depression. Unlike other types of depression, patients with atypical depression have an improvement or deterioration of mood in direct response to an event.
Characteristics
Dr. Hall-Flavin notes that four characteristics of atypical depression separate it from other types of depression: mood reactivity, oversleeping, earlier onset of symptoms and overeating.
Gender Occurrences
Like other forms of depression, atypical depression occurs more often in women than in men, according to Dr. Hall-Flavin.
Causes
Depression Information notes that certain medications, like some types of high blood pressure medications, sleeping pills and birth control pills, can cause atypical depression. Stressful events, pregnancy, abnormal levels of hormones or neurotransmitters and chronic illnesses like heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer can also cause atypical depression.
Symptoms
The symptoms of atypical depression, according to Depression Information, include an increased appetite with cravings, weight gain, loss of interest, depressed mood, fatigue, decreased interest in sex and aches and pains.
Treatment
Depression Information notes that patients have many treatment options, including medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and regular exercise. Dr. Hall-Flavin notes that MAOIs, an older type of antidepressant, may be more effective in treating atypical depression than SSRIs.
