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What is Atypical Depression?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Atypical depression is a subtype of depression that is extremely common, contrary to what one might expect from the name. More than 40% of people with major depression experience atypical depression, and the age of onset is often young, usually in the teens. There are a variety of treatment options available for this mental health condition. Patients are generally advised to see a therapist because each case is different and treatment needs to be tailored to the needs of the patient.

People with atypical depression have many of the hallmark symptoms of depression, paired with what is known as mood reactivity: they can experience isolated mood improvements. People with major depression usually do not respond to happy events and don't experience mood elevation, while people with atypical depression may periodically feel good in response to events around them. Symptoms like anxiety, suicidal thoughts, feeling down, and lethargy can all be noted in patients with atypical depression.

Atypical depression affects 40% of people with major depression.
Atypical depression affects 40% of people with major depression.

In addition, patients develop some combination of excessive sleeping, rejection sensitivity, overeating, and a leaden feeling in the limbs. Some patients may have all four, but others have at least two. This can cause impairments for the patient, particularly in the case of rejection sensitivity, where patients are extremely reactive when they sense rejection, even if it is not intended. This can contribute to social anxiety and may make it difficult to maintain interpersonal relationships, in addition to making it hard to function at work, where forms of rejection can be encountered on a regular basis.

A doctor can prescribe medication and deliver psychological therapy for atypical depression if necessary.
A doctor can prescribe medication and deliver psychological therapy for atypical depression if necessary.

Treatment for this mood disorder can include prescription medications to improve the patient's brain chemistry, with the goal of addressing an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Some patients also experience benefits from talk therapy. Addressing the medication initially with medication may allow patients to reach a state where they can benefit from therapy, and it may be possible to wean off antidepressants later, depending on the specifics of a patient's case.

The onset of atypical depression commonly occurs in the teen years.
The onset of atypical depression commonly occurs in the teen years.

The young onset of this disorder can be a problem for patients. A teen who is sleeping a lot, consuming copious amounts of food, and feeling generally down and unmotivated may have these signs attributed to laziness without any further clinical investigation. This can result in untreated depression, potentially exposing the patient to more serious risks, like suicide. It is important for teens and young adults to be evaluated if they experience symptoms like anxiety, lack of motivation, and feelings of depression or hopelessness.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Atypical depression affects 40% of people with major depression.
      By: Artem Furman
      Atypical depression affects 40% of people with major depression.
    • A doctor can prescribe medication and deliver psychological therapy for atypical depression if necessary.
      By: Alexander Raths
      A doctor can prescribe medication and deliver psychological therapy for atypical depression if necessary.
    • The onset of atypical depression commonly occurs in the teen years.
      By: Mitarart
      The onset of atypical depression commonly occurs in the teen years.
    • People with atypical depression periodically take enjoyment in the events around them.
      By: Boyarkina Marina
      People with atypical depression periodically take enjoyment in the events around them.
    • Patients with atypical depression can experience temporary mood improvements.
      By: mario beauregard
      Patients with atypical depression can experience temporary mood improvements.
    • People with atypical depression commonly lack the motivation to improve their life.
      By: Tracy King
      People with atypical depression commonly lack the motivation to improve their life.
    • People with atypical depression may suffer from a variety of symptoms.
      By: FlemishDreams
      People with atypical depression may suffer from a variety of symptoms.