Atypical Depression(Depression with Atypical Features)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionDepression is a mental illness marked by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in activities. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. Atypical depression is depression with periods of mood brightening in response to positive events. Atypical depression will also have some symptoms that are not often found with depression. CausesThe exact cause of atypical depression is not known but probably due to changes in brain chemistry. It is likely from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk FactorsWhile the exact cause of depression is not clearly established, there are several factors that are associated with atypical depression such as:
SymptomsPeople with atypical depression have depression with periods of mood brightening, known as mood reactivity. Other symptoms that may occur include:
DiagnosisThere is no blood test or diagnostic test for atypical depression. You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor may also ask about depression symptoms and behaviors as well as any family history of mental health issues. Specific mental health questionnaires may be done. This will help the doctor get detailed information about your speech, thoughts, memory, and mood. A physical exam and other tests can help rule out other causes. TreatmentCombination treatment of medication and psychotherapy is often the most effective. Antidepressant MedicationsAntidepressant medicines may be most effective in people with atypical depression. These medicines can take 2 to 6 weeks to reach their maximum effectiveness. There are many different types of medicines to treat atypical depression. You will work with your doctor to find the medicine that benefits you the most and has the fewest side effects. TherapyPsychotherapy for atypical depression consists of various types of counseling. These include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or a combination of these. Therapy is designed to help you cope with difficulties in relationships, change negative thinking and behavior patterns, and resolve difficult feelings. ExerciseA regular exercise program has been shown to relieve some of the symptoms. It should play a large role in the overall management of atypical depression. PreventionWhether or not depression develops is part of genetic makeup that cannot be prevented. However, certain habits may help decrease the risk of depressive episodes:
RESOURCES:Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.dbsalliance.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org References:Atypical depression. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 3, 2017.
Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/major-depressive-disorder-mdd. Updated July 19, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Quitkin F. Depression with atypical features: diagnostic validity, prevalence, and treatment. Primary Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;4(3):94-99. Singh T, Williams K. Atypical depression. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006;3(4):33-39. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 04/29/2020 |
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