Atypical major depression: causes, symptoms and how to treat it

Not many people know that depression actually has many types. One of the types of depression most often diagnosed is major depression (major depressive disorder / MDD). Major depression (MDD) is then divided into several types, one of which is atypical depression. In this article, we'll take a thorough look at atypical depression.

What is the difference between major depression (major depressive disorder / MDD) and atypical depression?

According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) -IV, MDD is often referred to as the classic type of depression which is defined as a depressive mood that lasts at least 2 weeks.

The main symptoms of major depression include feelings of sadness, misery, or constant despair; lose interest and passion for doing what was once considered fun; loss of appetite and weight loss; and have trouble sleeping. Not a few people with major depression also have suicidal thoughts or suicidal tendencies.

Because atypical depression is a subtype of major depression, the features of the two are almost the same. The difference is, people who have Atypical depression can experience an increase in mood in response to positive conditions and events. Meanwhile, classic MDD does not show any mood changes when faced with pleasant conditions or events.

What are the symptoms of atypical depression?

Depression symptoms can vary from person to person. In addition to the common depressive symptoms listed above, atypical depression will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Mood improves when experiencing or seeing positive events, or hearing good news.
• Have at least 2 of the following symptoms:
  • Weight gain or increased appetite.
  • Hypersomnia, a condition experienced when you actually get enough sleep but still feel sleepy and tired during the day.
  • Paralysis, aka weakness in the hands and feet.
  • Interaction disorders in social life and work.

What are the causes of atypical depression?

As with other types of depression, the exact cause of atypical depression is unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing it. Common risk factors include:

• Traumatic experiences, such as physical abuse, sexual violence, death of a loved one, or divorce.
• History of alcohol and drug abuse.
• Diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer, HIV, stroke and heart disease
• Genetics (there is a history of family members suffering from depression)

Depression can also be caused by an imbalance of hormones in the brain that regulate mood, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Treatments for atypical depression

Depression should not be taken lightly, as it can prevent you from enjoying life to the fullest.

Treatment options for atypical depression can include prescription medications, psychotherapy with a psychologist, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.

Drugs

Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Your doctor may prescribe one or more combinations of drugs to control your symptoms.

Be sure to ask your doctor about side effects and food or drug interactions before you start taking them.

Psychotherapy

This therapy involves meeting with a therapist or counselor on a regular basis. This type of treatment allows you to express all your feelings, identify unhealthy thoughts within you, and learn to solve problems.

Lifestyle changes

Apart from medication and therapy, lifestyle changes and home treatments can also help relieve atypical MDD symptoms. These lifestyle changes and home care include:

• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Exercise at least three times per week.
• Enough sleep.
• Applying relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.
• Take certain supplements, such as fish oil.

Be sure to consult your doctor before you start taking any supplements. Some natural remedies can interact with certain medications used to treat depression.