What is atypical depression and how it changes lives

What is atypical depression

Atypical depression is a form of major depressive disorder. From the classic version is different the fact that a person can experience joy in response to some positive events or in anticipation of them. Atypical depression responds well to treatment. However, often it lasts longer and becomes chronic, and people think about suicide or try to commit it.

In 18–36% of people with depression, it is atypical. Usually it is faced by young women. But its symptoms may appear earlier: in adolescence or around 20 years.

Some researchers considerthat often atypical depression is associated with other illnesses such as bipolar and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

How does atypical depression manifest?

Some of the symptoms of atypical depression match from classic:

• Bad mood;
• change in appetite;
• sleep problems;
• anxiety;
• fatigue;
• difficulty concentrating.

But other symptoms are added to them:

• short-term improvement in mood in response to positive events;
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• increased appetite and weight gain;
• a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs (lead palsy);
• body aches;
• prolonged sleep during the day or night (hypersomnia);
• extreme sensitivity to criticism;
• headache;
• compulsive overeating or intentional restriction in food;
• dysmorphophobia, that is, dissatisfaction with one's own image of the body.

These symptoms different from a typical variant, in which, on the contrary, sleep and appetite disappear, and there is no improvement in mood even after something joyful.

What causes atypical depression

It is not clear what exactly causes atypical depression, but it may be due to factors such as:

• imbalance of chemicals in the brain;
• the presence in the family of relatives with bipolar disorder or long-term depression;
• injury;
• prolonged stress.

Additional factors are:

• traumatic experiences in childhood;
• experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse;
• serious illness;
• grief after a significant loss;
• the use of psychoactive substances.

What are the complications of atypical depression?

People with atypical depression often face with complications such as:

• alcohol and substance abuse to endure reality;
• overeating and weight gain due to increased appetite;
• severe anxiety;
• difficulties in building relationships;
• difficulties at work;
• deterioration of bodily diseases;
• thoughts of suicide and suicide.

Call 911 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide.

How to suspect atypical depression

If you feel sad for two weeks and have lost interest in your usual activities, it is worth making an appointment with a therapist. Perhaps he will appoint some analyzes or refer you directly to a psychiatrist.

Because people with atypical depression often complain drowsiness, heaviness in the legs and extreme fatigue, sometimes they are mistakenly diagnosed with chronic fatigue, neurosis or personality disorder. This is bad, because then they don't get antidepressants, which help a lot. Just in case, you can try to go through the Internet yourself. Beck questionnaire for depression and tell your doctor about the results.

How is atypical depression treated?

atypical depression treat with antidepressants and psychotherapy. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe drugs, so you should not start drinking them on your own, so that there are no complications that could be avoided.

To help you overcome this condition, you should:

• adhere to a healthy lifestyle, that is, eat right, exercise and give up alcohol and drugs;
• practice breathing exercises and meditation;
• keep a diary;
• enlist the support of loved ones.

These measures help reduce symptoms and their impact on life.