Atypical Depression (AD) is a subtype of dysthymia and Major Depression characterized by mood reactivity — being able to experience improved mood in response to positive events. Dysthymia (pronounced /dɪsˈθaɪmiə/ is a Mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum. In contrast, sufferers of "melancholic" depression generally cannot experience positive moods, even when good things happen. Melancholic depression, or 'depression with melancholic features' is a subtype of major depression characterized by the inability to find pleasure in positive things combined Additionally, atypical depression is characterized by reversed vegetative symptoms, namely over-eating and over-sleeping. Reversed vegetative symptoms include only oversleeping ( Hypersomnia) and overeating ( Hyperphagia) as compared to insomnia and loss of appetite

Despite its name, "atypical" depression is actually the most common subtype of depression^[1][2] — up to 40% of the depressed population may be classified as having atypical depression.

Contents 1 Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR) 2 Research 3 References 4 Additional Resources

Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)

The DSM-IV-TR, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines Atypical Depression as a subtype of depression or dysthymia, characterized by Atypical Features:

A. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' ( DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association Mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern that occurs in an individual and is thought to cause distress or disability that is not expected as Dysthymia (pronounced /dɪsˈθaɪmiə/ is a Mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum. Mood reactivity (i. e. , mood brightens in response to actual or potential positive events)

B. At least two of the following:

1. Significant weight gain or increase in appetite ("comfort eating")^[3]
2. Hypersomnia (sleeping too much, as opposed to the insomnia present in melancholic depression)
3. Leaden paralysis (i. An eating disorder is a compulsion to eat or avoid eating that negatively affects both one's physical and mental health e. , heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs)
4. Long-standing pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity (not limited to episodes of mood disturbance) that results in significant social or occupational impairment

C. Criteria are not met for Melancholic Depression or Catatonic Depression during the same episode. Melancholic depression, or 'depression with melancholic features' is a subtype of major depression characterized by the inability to find pleasure in positive things combined Catatonic is a syndrome of psychic and motoric-disturbances In the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association

By the ICD-10 classification, it will fall in the category of F32 or F39. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify Diseases

Research

In general, atypical depression tends to cause greater functional impairment than other forms of depression. Atypical depression is a chronic syndrome that tends to begin earlier in life than other forms of depression — usually beginning in teenage years. Similarly, patients with atypical depression are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric syndromes such as panic disorder, social phobia, avoidant personality disorder, or body dysmorphic disorder. Panic Disorder is a Psychological condition characterized by recurring Panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral change lasting at least a month Social phobia (DSM-IV 30023 also known as social anxiety disorder (DSM-IV 300 Avoidant personality disorder (APD or AvPD or Anxious personality disorder (APD is a Personality disorder from the DSM handbook characterized by Body dysmorphic disorder ( BDD) (previously known as Dysmorphophobia and sometimes referred to as Body dysmorphia) is a psychiatric disorder

Medication response differs between chronic atypical depression and acute melancholic depression. While some studies^[4] suggest that an older class of drugs, MAOIs, may be more effective at treating atypical depression, the modern SSRIs are usually quite effective, while the tricyclic antidepressants are not. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs) are a class of powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) are a class of Antidepressants used in the treatment of depression, Anxiety disorders Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviation TCAs) are a class of Antidepressant drugs first used in the 1950s In addition, SSRI response can often be enhanced with "booster" medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) are a class of Antidepressants used in the treatment of depression, Anxiety disorders And, medication treatment works best when combined with appropriate psychotherapy. ^[5] It is important to remember that such co-morbid syndromes as panic disorder may not be fully treated without additional medication. Panic Disorder is a Psychological condition characterized by recurring Panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral change lasting at least a month

It has been noted that patients with atypical depression often suffer from intense cravings for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (from ' Hydrates of Carbon ' or saccharides ( Greek σάκχαρον meaning " Sugar " are the most A mineral supplement, chromium picolinate, was found to assuage these cravings. Chromium(III picolinate is the Chemical compound that is sold as a nutritional supplement to prevent or treat Chromium deficiency. ^[6][7]

Some hypothesize that atypical depression may be related to thyroid dysregulation. Some studies have found subtle thyroid abnormalities in people with atypical depression. The thyroid is one of the largest Endocrine glands in the body ^[8] Another study suggests that patients may benefit from triiodothyronine, a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Triiodothyronine, C15[[hydrogen H12]] I3[[nitrogen N]] O4, also known as T3, is a Thyroid Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and animals caused by insufficient production of Thyroid hormone by the Thyroid gland. ^[9]

References

Additional Resources

1. Atypical Depression Actually Very Typical
2. Atypical Depression and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal function

• Also see Clinical depression. Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression

---

© 2009 citizendia.org; parts available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, from http://en.wikipedia.org
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic