What is Atypical Depression?

Atypical depression is a type of depression that involves symptoms that are not typical of other depressive disorders. It also tends to respond differently to treatment than other types of depression. This article will define atypical depression, its symptoms, and its causes. It will also compare atypical depression to clinical depression. Finally, it will look at diagnosis, treatment, and tips for living with it.

Atypical depression is also called major depressive disorder (MDD) with atypical features. People with atypical depression experience many of the same symptoms as those with MDD, also known as clinical depression. However, they also experience additional symptoms that are not typical depression symptoms.

One of the main symptoms Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that differs from MDD is mood reactivity. Mood reactivity is when your mood changes based on your situation or circumstances. For instance, when your mood brightens when something positive happens.

Learn more about depression.

Atypical depression shares many of the same symptoms as MDD. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis of atypical depression.

These criteria include:

• mood reactivity
• two or more of the following features:
  • increase in appetite
  • increase in sleep
  • heavy feeling in arms or legs
  • sensitivity to interpersonal rejection that results in social or occupational impairment
• criteria for melancholic or catatonic features of depression are not met

A person will need to experience these symptoms for at least 2 weeks Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source before receiving a diagnosis of major depression.

There are similarities and differences between atypical depression and MDD.

Symptoms of both atypical depression and MDD will vary Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source between people. They may also range from mild to severe.

Depression is one of the most common Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source psychological conditions in the United States. Experts believe it may be the result of a combination of:

• genetic factors
• biological factors
• environmental factors
• psychological factors

Some experts also believe Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that depression may occur due to a breakdown in the complex interaction between neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, and the target receptors on the cells. Some trials have indicated that a disturbance in the activity of the chemical serotonin in the central nervous system can also lead to depression.

Risk factors for the development of depression include:

• personal or family history of depression
• trauma, stress, or major life changes
• some medical conditions and medications

The diagnosis of depression typically begins with your doctor or mental health professional asking questions about your symptoms. They may ask about specific symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them.

Typically, you will only receive a diagnosis of atypical depression if you have been experiencing two or more symptoms of atypical or other types of depression for at least 2 weeks Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source .

Your doctor or mental health professional may also ask Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source about your personal, medical, and family history. They may ask if you are taking any medications or currently using alcohol or drugs. They may want to know about your social history and any stressful situations you experience.

Treatment for depression typically includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

Typically, mental health professionals use psychotherapy to help treat depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Antidepressants have proven to be an effective treatment for depression. However, the type of antidepressant doctors prescribe for atypical depression differs from those for other types of depression.

Typically, doctors prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat depression. However, research indicates that monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may be a more effective treatment for atypical depression.

Work closely with your doctor and mental health professional to find the most effective treatment for you.

Learn more about psychotherapy.

Working with a mental health professional to find the most suitable treatment for you is important in managing and overcoming depression. However, some non-medical therapies and techniques might help.

In addition to treatment, you can try Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Governmental authority Go to source :

• doing regular physical activity or exercise
• maintaining a regular sleep schedule as much as possible.
• eating regular balanced meals
• learning to prioritize and set boundaries according to your abilities
• avoiding using alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs.

Atypical depression is a type of depression that includes symptoms that are not typically present in MDD. However, people with atypical depression will likely experience symptoms common to other types of depression.

The symptoms of atypical depression include mood reactivity and a heavy feeling in your arms or legs.

Treatment for atypical depression usually includes antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.

If you experience symptoms of atypical depression for 2 weeks or more, contact your doctor or mental health professional.