What Is Atypical Depression?

Atypical depression is a subtype of clinical (major) depression. But atypical depression has some specific symptoms including weight gain, sleepiness, fatigue, have strong reactions to environmental changes, etc. Atypical depression is very common and is four times more common in women than men. It is often first experienced in adolescence.

Atypical depression shouldn’t be confused with another subtype “melancholic” depression. This type of depression has symptoms which include insomnia, a loss of appetite, a lack of response to positive changes and a marked diminished ability to feel pleasure.

It is important that you also understand depression and anxiety symptoms as what you are experiencing could be another form of depression or anxiety. So let’s explore these first.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?

All the symptoms listed are for depression, whether mild, moderate or severe. Your GP, or main doctor, will determine the severity of your depression and whether you need to be referred to another specialist.

The psychological symptoms of depression include:

1. continuous low mood or sadness
2. feeling hopeless and helpless
3. low self-esteem
4. tearful
5. feeling guilt-ridden
6. feeling irritable and intolerant of others
7. having no motivation
8. no interest in things
9. difficulty in making decisions
10. no enjoyment in life
11. feeling anxiety (see below) or worried
12. suicidal thoughts
13. thoughts of harming yourself or others

The physical symptoms of depression include:

1. moving or speaking more slowly than usual
2. increased or decreased appetite or weight
3. constipation
4. unexplained aches and pains
5. lack of energy
6. low sex drive
7. changes to menstrual cycle
8. disturbed sleep or difficulty sleeping

The social symptoms of depression include:

1. not doing well at work
2. avoiding contact with friends/family
3. not taking part in social activities
4. neglecting hobbies/interests
5. having difficulties in the relationship with a partner

Anxiety may play a part of your depression, symptoms may include:

1. restlessness
2. a sense of dread
3. feeling constantly “on edge”
4. difficulty concentrating
5. irritability
6. withdrawal from social contact
7. dizziness
8. tiredness
9. a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat
10. muscle aches and tension
11. trembling or shaking
12. dry mouth
13. excessive sweating
14. shortness of breath
15. stomach ache
16. feeling sick
17. headaches
18. pins and needles
19. difficulty falling or staying asleep

Please be aware you do not need to have all the symptoms listed to have depression or anxiety. It’s important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed.

It is better to have a chat with your doctor and rule out depression or other medical conditions than to wait. The sooner you seek treatment the quicker you will recover.

Specific Symptoms Of Atypical Depression?

Some of the main symptoms include:

Mood reactivity is one of the main symptoms. This is where the person will see their mood improve if something positive happens. Plus at least two of the following are needed also.

The individual may report sleeping too much (also called hypersomnia).

Increased appetite and/or weight gain.

People report having a more intense reaction. Or increased sensitivity to rejection. This may result in difficulties on your relationships and social or work problems.

The person may also have a sense, or feeling, of being “weighed down”, paralyzed, or “burdened”.

Again if you feel you may have depression then please speak to your GP or main doctor as soon as possible.

What Are The Causes Of Depression?

While the exact cause of atypical depression is unknown. There are a number of factors which are thought to contribute.

These include: a family history of depression, a significant loss or major life event that can trigger an underlying vulnerability to depression, interpersonal conflicts, any type of abuse, drug or alcohol addiction or any type of major illness such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, etc.

How Is Atypical Depression Diagnosed And Treated?

There are no physical tests for depression, but your GP will examine you and carry out some tests to rule out other medical conditions. These tests will include looking for hypothyroidism as having low levels of the thyroid hormone can lead to symptoms that include depression and weight gain.

Your GP will need you to be as honest with them as possible about all your symptoms. In this way, they can tell whether you have depression or not and how severe it is. Any discussion you have with your GP is confidential, except if there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others.

Treatment for depression, and anxiety, can involve a combination of lifestyle changes and some self-help, talking therapies and medication. Any treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression. But in the case of atypical depression, and because it usually starts so early, you are more like to be referred to a special mental health team.

The specialist mental health team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists. These people are best placed to help you plan what is needed such as develop lifestyle changes and offer talk therapy and/or medication if it is needed.

Some Self-Help If You Are Looking After Someone Suffering From Depression.

It’s not just the person with depression who’s affected by their illness. Their friends and family are also affected.

If you are in this situation please note you too need support. Partners may find that the relationships changes and becomes strained. Know that at this time you need to talk to someone such as a psychologist and perhaps consider joining a support group too.

If you find your marriage is now suffering, as a result, don’t put off having marriage counseling as a couple either. It is important to voice your concerns and talk things through in an open manner. A psychologist can help you do this together.

Make sure you understand all your rights and entitlements too as this can fall to the partner. Talk to MABS, Citizens Advice or Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection if you need help, especially financially. (All of these are in Ireland. So look at your local supports if outside of Ireland.)

You too need to reduce your stress, exercise, eat healthily and relax daily. You may need time off away from the family member you are caring for. Never feel guilty about this, as it isn’t unusual for one partner to get better only to find the other partner has become ill as a result of all the stress.

Remember the more we talk and understand different types of mental health illnesses the more we can reduce the stigma. So if someone you know needs to read this or is in need of support then please let them know about this blog.

Work With Me.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.