Atypical depression is a a mental illness in which symptoms of both major and dysthymia occur. However, it is not as atypical as its name suggests. According to various studies, it is one of the most common types of depression that usually first occurs during ones teenage years.
With atypical depression, a person is greatly affected by external events. In other words, external events play a huge role in determining the individual’s mood. If they are having a great day, people are being kind to them, and are generally happy with how the day is going, they will be perfectly fine. But in the case of even the slightest criticism can throw them into a slump. In many cases, emotions are constantly fluctuating.
Causes of Atypical Depression
- Long term use of certain medications such as sleeping pills, oral contraceptives and hormonal preparations, and anti-hypertensive drugs
- A history of depression in the family
- Hormonal imbalance and decreased or increased secretion of neurotransmitters
- Tragic life events such as complicated relationships, death of a loved one and trauma
- Suffering from an illness or health problem (eg. stroke, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.)
Atypical Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of atypical depression can include any of the following:
- Loss of hope
- Low energy level
- Feeling hopeless
- No longer enjoy activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Inability to concentrate
- Unable to make decisions
- Irritability
- Unable to sleep at times
- Lower sexual drive
- Increase or decrease in eating habits
Studies have shown that those suffering from atypical depression experience less severe symptoms as oppose to those who are have general depression. Additionally, atypical depression tends to be a lot more common in adolescents. Unfortunately, it is often overlook, partly due to the name, which is often misleading. Despite being called “atypical” depression, it is fairly common. The most plausible reason that atypical depression is often overlooked is due to the fact that it is general a mild, yet long lingering form of depression.
Risk factors
Certain risk factors increase the chance that an individual may suffer from atypical depression. These risk factors include post-partum depression, traumatic events during childhood, substance abuse, and the use of medications. Teenagers, women and children are more likely to suffer from atypical depression, as oppose to adult men.
Diagnosis of Atypical Depression
As mentioned previously, atypical depression often goes undiagnosed. For diagnosis, a psychological examination of the patient is the first step. There are no laboratory tests can confirm whether one suffers from atypical depression or not. They can only rule out other diseases. In order to be diagnosed with atypical depression, a patient must meet the criteria outlined by Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS).
According to the DMS, someone suffering from atypical depression will generally be happy and ecatic if something good happens. With other types of depression, this is often not the case, which is why atypical depression is somewhat unique.
Aside from the above, the patient must be experiencing at least two of the following symptoms:
- Increase in weight and/or appetite
- Hypersomnia
- Feelings of paralysis
- Unable to deal with rejection and/or criticism by others
Atypical Depression Treatment
Although medication can work wonders, the most important part of treatment of atypical depression is psychotherapy. Through the use of psychotherapy, the patient learns more about the type of depression s/he is suffering from, and attempts to figure out the root of their depression. Through cognitive behavioural therapy, the patient will learn how to deal with any negative feelings that trigger their depression into more severe levels.
Other types of psychotherapy used to treat atypical depression include interpersonal therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Though medicinal therapy is a must in some cases, these types of counselling are a must to really battle atypical depression successfully.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Atypical antidepressants, Tricyclic antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are some of the classes of drugs that are commonly used throughout the treatment process of atypical depression.
Other common drugs that may be prescribed include anti-anxiety drugs, anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers. In some patients, two or more drugs may be given together for their additive effect.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from atypical depression, it is important to get help; the sooner, the better. Atypical depression is common, and treatment is very well possible. The sooner professionals are able to begin treatment, the better.
