Atypical depression.

[steamvessel]

I'd like to start a new forum to discuss this type of depression. It's funny, I actually have a degree in Psychology but never heard this term until my therapist told me. It's baffling, how closely this resembles me. It's like if somebody documented how I am and wrote it on paper, I didn't think I was that predictable!

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. 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.e., heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs)
4.Long-standing pattern of sensitivity to interpersonal rejection (not limited to episodes of mood disturbance; fits of rage, hysteria, aggression and irrational reactions) that results in significant social or occupational impairment
C. Criteria are not met for melancholic depression or catatonic depression during the same episode.

[atomica]

hey steamvessel,

as far as i know, atypical depression is actually the most common form of depression by far. my shrink told me this when i was diagnosed bipolar - this is the type i have too when i'm depressed (which is a lot). i can tick off every single one of your listed criteria.

i'm a psych 4th year, and i only really noticed atypical depression in the literature because i'm already well familiar with it. in 4yrs of study, we really haven't delved that deeply into the DSM subtypes & criteria.

ae