Atypical depression, a subtype of major depression, is the most common
form of depression today. People who suffer
atypical depression exhibit all the normal
symptoms of depression but they also react
to external positive experiences in a
positive way. Atypical depression sufferers
respond to their environment, enjoying the
company of friends but slipping back into
deep depression when alone or faced with a
stressful situation. It is this aspect of
atypical depression that differentiates it
from melancholic depression in which
external positive experiences still result
in depressed feelings.
People who suffer from atypical
depression also exhibit other symptoms that
aren't normally associated with "normal"
depression including:
- Increase in appetite with a weight
gain of ten 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
causes social or work related
withdrawal.
In 1998 Dr. Andrew A. Nierenberg,
associate director of the depression
clinical and research program at
Massachusetts General Hospital, published a
study that found 42% of participants
suffered from atypical depression, 12% had
melancholic depression, 14% had both
depression subtypes and the remaining did
not suffer from depression.
Studies have also found that atypical
depression begins earlier in a person’s life
than other forms of depression with most
sufferers beginning to show symptoms in
their teenage years. Those who suffer from
atypical depression are also at greater risk
of suffering from other mental disorders
such as social phobias, avoidant personality
disorder or body dysmorphic disorder.
Atypical depression is more prevalent in
females than males as well, with nearly 70%
of it's sufferers being women.
Treating atypical depression is an
ongoing process. Research has shown that
MAOIs such as Nardil or Parnate work
reasonably well as do the newer SSRI
medications (Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft). Most
patients prefer the SSRIs because they do
not exhibit the unpleasant side affects of
the MAOIs.
It is also important that if you or
someone you know suffers from atypical
depression that you or they seek psychiatric
help. Atypical depression is not easy to
diagnose the treatment choices can vary from
patient to patient. A general care
practitioner does not have the expertise to
differentiate between the subtypes of
depression and may not know the best course
of treatment for their patient.
Article Source:
http://www.articlehealthandfitness.com/authors/159/Andrew-Bicknell