Atypical depression

From ArticleWorld

Atypical depression is the most common form of depression despite its name, affecting up to 40% of those suffering from depression. Whereas sufferers of a ‘typical’ depression are unable to appreciate even the positive events in their lives, those with atypical depression are characterized by mood reactivity which means that their moods can improve in response to positive events.

The condition is more likely to affect women, who comprise about 70% of the sufferers. It is also more likely to begin in the teenage years, unlike ‘typical’ depression which usually strikes in early adulthood. Those suffering from atypical depression are more prone to other mental illnesses such as social phobias and bipolar II.

DSM classification

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is published by the American Psychiatric Association diagnose atypical depression when the following criteria have been met-

1. There is mood reactivity.
2. There is the presence of overeating, oversleeping, leaden paralysis or a long term pattern of rejection sensitivity. To satisfy DSM classification, at least two of these symptoms must be present.
3. Melancholic Depression or Catatonic Depression criteria are not met during the episode.

Treatment

It has been found that sufferers of atypical depression often have intense cravings for carbohydrates which has led to a theory that the condition is the result of thyroid dysregulation. The taking of the mineral supplement Chromium Picolinate relieves the cravings and medications used in the treatment of hypothyroidism benefits the physiological cause.

Prozac and tricyclic antidepressants have been used in the treatment of the condition and the use of talking therapies or psychoanalysis have been found to be effective in the management of behaviour and cognition aspects of the disorder.