| Atypical Depression is a subtype of Major Depression | | | | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). |
| characterized by mood reactivity being able to | | | | However, research continues to try to define this more |
| experience improved mood in response to positive | | | | clearly. Atypical depression is more common in women |
| events. They'll feel deeply depressed or somewhat | | | | than in men. The exact cause of depression isn't clear. |
| hopeful depending on the latest situation they are | | | | But genetics and environmental factors play a role. If |
| faced with. Their mood will brighten considerably when | | | | you are concerned that you or someone you know |
| dining out with friends or enjoying a good movie. But | | | | has atypical depression, seek help from a mental |
| when they are alone, their mood will slip back into the | | | | health professional. |
| dark depths of depression. Atypical depression is a | | | | Causes of Atypical Depression |
| variation of depression that is slightly different from | | | | 1. Certain medications, including those for high blood |
| major depression. The sufferer is sometimes able to | | | | pressure, high cholesterol, or irregular heartbeat. |
| experience happiness and moments of elation. | | | | 2. Sleep disturbances. |
| Symptoms of atypical depression include fatigue, | | | | 3. Amount of exposure to light. |
| oversleeping, overeating and weight gain. Those who | | | | 4. Heredity. |
| suffer from atypical depression should know that they | | | | 5. Chronic stress (such as from loss, abuse, or |
| are not alone and that there is a viable support | | | | deprivation in early childhood). |
| network and a number of treatment choices to aid in | | | | 6. Nutritional deficiencies. |
| their struggle. Episodes of atypical depression can last | | | | 7. Family history of depression. |
| for months or a sufferer may live with it forever. | | | | 8. History of abuse (such as mental, physical, or sexual) |
| In addition to the core symptoms of depression, | | | | . |
| atypical depression is defined by the ability to feel | | | | 9. Current or past alcohol or drug abuse-25% of |
| better temporarily in response to a positive life event, | | | | people with addictions have depression. |
| plus any two of the following criteria: excessive sleep, | | | | Symptoms of Atypical Depression |
| overeating, a feeling of heaviness in the limbs and a | | | | 1. Female sex was associated with all of the atypical |
| sensitivity to rejection . Despite its name, "atypical" | | | | symptoms except rejection sensitivity. |
| depression is actually the most common subtype of | | | | 2. A duration of illness of greater than 3 months was |
| depression up to 40% of the depressed population | | | | positively associated with hyperphagia, leaden |
| may be classified as having atypical depression. In | | | | paralysis, and rejection sensitivity. |
| addition, some research suggests that an older class | | | | 3. Fatigue and loss of energy. |
| of drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may | | | | 4. Feelings of hopelessness. |
| be more effective in treating atypical depression than | | | | 5. Extreme difficulty concentrating . |
| newer drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants and | | | | |