Atypical Depression is distinguished by mood reactivity, where the individual’s mood can improve in response to positive events. This means that their emotional state can fluctuate significantly, feeling deeply depressed or somewhat hopeful, depending on their current circumstances. Their mood may lift when engaging in enjoyable activities, such as dining with friends or watching a good movie. However, when alone, they may find themselves slipping back into the depths of depression. Unlike major depression, individuals with atypical depression can experience moments of happiness and elation. Common symptoms include fatigue, oversleeping, overeating, and weight gain. Episodes can last for months, or the individual may live with it indefinitely.
Defining Atypical Depression
In addition to the fundamental symptoms of depression, atypical depression is characterized by a temporary improvement in mood in response to positive life events, along with any two of the following criteria: excessive sleep, overeating, a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, and a sensitivity to rejection. Despite its name, “atypical” depression is actually the most prevalent subtype of depression, with up to 40% of the depressed population potentially classified as having atypical depression.
Research suggests that monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), an older class of drugs, may be more effective in treating atypical depression than newer drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, ongoing research aims to clarify this further. Atypical depression is more common in women than in men. The exact cause of depression isn’t clear, but genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have atypical depression, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Potential Causes of Atypical Depression
- Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or irregular heartbeat.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Amount of exposure to light.
- Heredity.
- Chronic stress (such as from loss, abuse, or deprivation in early childhood).
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Family history of depression.
- History of abuse (mental, physical, or sexual).
- Current or past alcohol or drug abuse—25% of people with addictions have depression.
Symptoms of Atypical Depression
- Female sex was associated with all of the atypical symptoms except rejection sensitivity.
- A duration of illness of greater than 3 months was positively associated with hyperphagia, leaden paralysis, and rejection sensitivity.
- Fatigue and loss of energy.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Extreme difficulty concentrating.
