Atypical Depression

When people talk about depression or depressive episodes, they are usually referring to major depressive disorder (MDD) or a similar mental disorder.

Among the most common of all mental disorders in the US, MDD typically causes weeks-long episodes of depression. This can result in a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, lack appreciation for oneself, and trouble sleeping. It’s an unpleasant disorder that affects a sizable portion of the population.

While these symptoms are typically well-understood and recognizable, atypical depression involves symptoms that are usually not associated with depression, and might make the disorder more difficult to identify.

What is Atypical Depression?

One of the main identifiers of atypical depression is how a person's moods get better with positive stimuli. They appear to "snap out" of their depression during certain events. These improvements in mood are temporary, however.

Though the name might seem to indicate otherwise, atypical depression is not necessarily less likely to develop than other mental illnesses. Rather, the “atypical” part of the name refers to the way that it looks different than "normal depression."

What's the Difference Between Major Depressive Disorder and Atypical Depression?

The biggest difference is the temporary mood improvements that define atypical depression. The depressive episodes of MDD do ebb and flow, varying in intensity over weeks or months. However, those episodes more or less run on their own timelines. While symptoms can be managed, they don't disappear even if something positive is happening around them.

Someone with atypical depression does experience these depressive episodes, but these episodes can be temporarily relieved when something good happens. Whether it's receiving good news, spending time with loved ones, attending a fun event or any number of positive events—someone with atypical depression might seem not depressed while it's happening. Though they usually resume showing symptoms once they're away from that positive event.

Atypical Depression Symptoms

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No image text: symptoms of atypical depression include mood reactivity, leaden paralysis, increase in appetite or weight gain, sleeping more than normal, and interpersonal rejection

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On the surface, many of the symptoms of atypical depression and major depressive disorder are shared, and one might even be confused for the other. Symptoms like...

Persistent sadness and emptiness
Irritability
Memory issues
Loss of appetite

...are common for MDD and other forms of depression.

However, atypical depression specifies a certain type of symptoms that appear in addition to a depressive episode. The specific symptoms that indicate atypical depression include:

Mood reactivity
Leaden paralysis
Increase in appetite or weight gain
Sleeping more than is “normal” every day
Interpersonal rejection sensitivity

Many of these are not immediately obvious or well-known, so here is a breakdown on what each means and what it may look like:

Mood Reactivity

Patients who are dealing with depression often find it difficult to care about anything. Even if something might be good or great news, those with MDD or another depressive disorder could find it difficult to feel happy about it—they may not even think it matters.

In atypical depression, people usually experience a normal reaction to situations that warrant happiness or sorrow. This means, for example, that if someone with atypical depression hears that something good has happened, their mood may reflect it for a time. This ability to feel and respond is one of the more telling factors of atypical depression.

Leaden Paralysis

Leaden paralysis describes a feeling of heavy limbs or trouble lifting one’s own arms and legs. This might also be described as fatigue, and typically only applies to the limbs, as opposed to someone’s whole body feeling tired.

Increase in Weight or Appetite

In MDD and other types of depression, people usually lose their appetite or feel uninterested in eating. However, the opposite can occur in atypical depression, leading to weight gain.

Sleeping More Than “Normal”

Excessive sleepiness can occur in MDD, but it is typically more constant in atypical depression. Those dealing with MDD might have little-to-no impact on their sleep or but individuals dealing with atypical depression are likely to experience a need to sleep for unusually long and/or frequent amounts of time.

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image: Person sleeping at their desk. Text: excessive daytime sleepiness can occur in MDD, but is typically more constant in atypical depression

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Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity

This symptom describes a strong or intense reaction to being rejected by another person. While it is never pleasant to be rejected by someone, those who experience this symptom might exhibit consistent, intense reactions to (real or perceived) rejection. People who experience this sometimes avoid specific situations where they could be rejected, and may be afraid to try starting new relationships as a result.

What Causes Someone to Develop Atypical Depression?

Since atypical depression is not its own disease, but rather a way that depressive episodes can manifest, there is no real way to identify causes of it.

It is worth noting that women are significantly more likely to experience atypical depression than men. Additionally, individuals who develop depressive symptoms at earlier ages of life are more likely to experience atypical depression.

Other than increased odds of certain groups developing atypical symptoms compared to others, there seems to be no clear cause of atypical depression as opposed to other depressive disorders.

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image: Sad woman looking out of a window. text: women are significantly more likely to experience atypical depression than men

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Are There Any Risks With Atypical Depression?

While the symptoms of atypical depression make it seem like an altogether different condition, it is still fundamentally a depressive disorder, and involves all the same risks.

Specifically, depressive disorders can involve suicidal thoughts or actions. The loss of interest in life and activities that often accompanies depression can lead people to use or abuse prescription or illicit substances in an attempt to feel better. Both of these can be life-threatening.

If you observe someone dealing with any of these depression symptoms, or find yourself struggling in these areas, reach out for help. The symptoms can be difficult to deal with alone, and seeking out knowledgeable professionals is a small step that goes a long way.

If someone experiencing a depressive episode feels lost or alone, they may turn to substance use, which may in turn lead to addiction. Treating multiple disorders simultaneously is difficult, so avoiding the combination altogether is by far the better way.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a substance use disorder or severe depression, contact us today. Overcoming a depressive disorder—or an addiction that may have formed as a result—is possible with the right resources and support.

How to Treat Atypical Depression

Depressive disorders can be incredibly difficult to overcome. However, with support and the right resources, most depressive disorders react well to therapy and/or medication.

Therapy

Like many other forms of depression, talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT helps people connect their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. They learn how to create healthy and positive patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Of course, CBT isn't the only option for counseling for atypical depression. Everyone is different, and everyone responds to treatment differently. Dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness cognitive therapy are just a few other therapies that can help someone with atypical depression.

Medication Management

Therapy and medication are more effective when used together. Antidepressants improve the balance of certain brain chemicals that improve mood. Getting a diagnosis quickly upon starting treatment can help get medication sorted fast so you can get on the path to recovery.

Get Help for Atypical Depression at Sequoia

It's difficult to live with a mental health disorder that "goes away" from time to time. It might feel like you don't deserve the help that you need. The truth is that you do. Atypical depression has the same negative effects as MDD or any other depressive disorder. If it's preventing you from feeling healthy and fulfilled, talk to Sequoia Behavioral Health. We provide personalized and integrative treatment for any depressive disorder.