Atypical Depression: What It Is, The Symptoms And How To Treat It
Atypical depression, a subtype of major depression, is the most common type of depression today. People suffering from atypical depression show signs of all the normal symptoms of depression but they also react to external positive experiences in a positive way. Atypical depression sufferers react to their environment, enjoying the company of friends but go back into deep depression when alone or confronted with a stressful situation. It is this part of atypical depression that distinguishes it from melancholic depression where external positive experiences yet cause depressed feelings. People who suffer from atypical depression also exhibit other symptoms that aren't generally associated with "normal" depression which include: · Increase in appetite with a weight gain of 10 or more pounds. · Hypersomnia -over sleeping of more than 10 hours per day. · Leaden paralysis of the arms and legs · Long term pattern of sensitivity to rejection in personal situations that will cause social or work withdrawal. In 1998 Dr. Andrew A. Nierenberg, associate director of the depression clinical and research program at Massachusetts General Hospital, published a study which revealed that 42% of participants suffered from atypical depression, 12% had melancholic depression, 14% suffered from both depression subtypes and the remaining did not show depression. Studies have also shown that atypical depression begins earlier in an individual's life than other forms of depression with the most sufferers starting to show symptoms in their teenage years. Those who suffer from atypical depression are also at higher risk of suffering from other mental disorders like social phobias, avoidant personality disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. Atypical depression is more common in females than males also, with almost 70% of its sufferers being women. Treating atypical depression is an ongoing procedure. Study has shown that MAOIs such as Nardil or Parnate work reasonably well as do the newer SSRI medications (Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft). The majority of patients prefer the SSRIs for the reason that they do not exhibit the unpleasant side effects of the MAOIs. If you or someone you know suffers from atypical depression, it is essential that you or they seek psychiatric help. Atypical depression is not something easy to diagnose and the treatment alternatives could differ from patient to patient. A general care practitioner does not have the expertise to distinguish between the subtypes of depression and might not know the best course of treatment for their patient.
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