Atypical depression is a type of major depression that is more common in women, typically starts earlier in life and tends to have a more chronic course than other types of major depression. Individuals with atypical depression often respond well to medication and psychotherapy, particularly as a combined treatment approach. Five symptoms make up the diagnostic criteria for major depression with atypical features.
Mood Reactivity
Mood reactivity is a symptom that is characterized by a person's ability to become cheered up in response to a positive event. This improved mood can sometimes last a while, often for the duration of the positive event. Usually, once the positive event has passed, there will be a return to the previous level of depression. In order to be diagnosed with atypical depression, a person must exhibit this particular symptom and at least two of the other four symptoms.
Increase in Appetite
A person will exhibit a marked increase in the amount of food that she eats. This symptom often manifests in significant weight gain as well. Cravings for sweets (e.g., chocolate) and carbohydrates are common.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia is marked by above average amounts of sleep, whether at night or during the day, adding up to at least 10 hours daily. A person with hypersomnia will typically sleep at least two hours more than they usually sleep when they are not depressed. Additionally, difficulty falling asleep is sometimes reported.
Leaden Paralysis
Leaden paralysis is characterized by an unusually heavy feeling in the arms or legs. It will typically last for at least an hour a day but can last for much longer. It may feel like it is difficult to move because of this sensation. Along with this symptom, people often experience significant fatigue.
Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity
A person will report or exhibit an unusually high sensitivity to rejection (real or imagined) by other people. This can occur when a person is not depressed as well as during a depressive episode, and it can create difficulties in a person's relationships, occupation and/or ability to function socially. An example of interpersonal rejection sensitivity is when a person will preemptively end a relationship for fear of being rejected himself. Often, when a perceived slight or rejection has happened, this can serve as a trigger for increased depressive symptoms.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- Work Psych Associates: Depression Update: Atypical Depression
