Atypical Depression

Everyone knows what depression is, but generally knowing the difference between classic clinical depression and Atypical Depression is usually the province of psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Atypical Depression is a subtype of depression. Whereas clinical depression is usually very intense, Atypical Depression may be much milder, with actual periods of mood elevation.

This kind of depression accounts for as high as 40% of all diagnosed depression, and it is the most common as well. Though the actual cause of of this type of depression has yet to be clearly defined, it is thought among medical circles that genetics as well as environmental factors may play an active role.

Those with Atypical Depression are more likely to have their depression marked by a need to “comfort eat,” may give in to sleeping too much, and suffer significant occupational or social impairment. Some report having a leaden feeling in arms and legs. Ordinarily too this type of depression often begins in the teenage years and goes on from there into adulthood. Many patients are also found to be overly sensitive to any kind of rejection.

Patients suffering from Atypical Depression are mostly women and they show a higher rate of the depressive symptoms than men. Studies show that they also exhibit many more co-occurring psychiatric problems, as well as additional amounts of suicidal thoughts and even attempts. Many such patients have also suffered through more childhood neglect as well as sexual abuse.

There are many types of pharmaceutical products to deal with Atypical Depression, and many Americans are subsisting psychiatrically because of those drugs. There are also adjunct drugs that can be given to stimulate the patient so that the oversleeping problem is taken care of too.

However, as good as the pharmaceutical products are in treating the Atypical Depression, it has been noted by many that the talk therapy that psychiatrists and psychotherapists give patients suffering from this type of depression is the most effective, especially concerning the rejection, eating, and sleeping issues associated with Atypical Depression.

Therefore if you have been told that you suffer from this form of depression it is of extreme importance that you find a therapist with whom you feel completely relaxed and at ease with, and not withhold any one portion of what your symptoms are so that they can be properly treated by the health care professional.

As for the pharmaceutical products that may be prescribed, a number of professionals feel that the older category of drugs, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), most probably are found to be more effective when treating Atypical Depression as opposed to many of the newer drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and various tricyclic antidepressants. Either way, your mental health professional will make a judicious choice based on your symptoms, of course!

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Atypical Depression

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Atypical Depression

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