Atypical depression affects 15% to 36% of people with depressive disorder. Approximately 31 million people around the globe suffer from a depressive disorder in their lifetime. This subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD) can be quite different from the classic image of depression. People with atypical depression can show the symptoms at an early age, during their teenage years. Atypical depression also lasts longer than typical depression. Today, atypical depression is no longer diagnosed as a separate disorder but is diagnosed as major depression with atypical characteristics. In this blog, we will see what is atypical depressive disorder, its symptoms, and the treatment for this depressive disorder.
Atypical Depression Definition
It is a unique form of depression with distinct symptoms. While its name is atypical meaning “not typical”, it is quite common. Its symptoms stray away from the symptoms of atypical depression. It is a type of depression in which you experience a quiet but temporary boost in mood due to positive events. Atypical depression tends to affect twice as many women as men. This is because women get more anxiety issues.
Read More: Depression in young adults: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Atypical Depression Symptoms
As its name suggests, it is not the same as typical depression. Therefore, the atypical symptoms are different from MDD. If major depressive disorder symptoms include insomnia, then atypical depression indicates hypersomnia.
Let’s discuss the atypical symptoms in a better way.
Increase in Appetite: Traditional depression leads to weight loss. On the other hand, in atypical depression your appetite increases and you gain weight.
Leaden Paralysis: People suffering from atypical depression feel heavy in the legs and arms. It is also called leaden paralysis.
Hypersomnia: Atypical depression symptoms also include excessive sleeping called hypersomnia. At the same time, we face insomnia in major depressive disorder (MDD).
Increased Sensitivity to Rejection: They become more sensitive to rejections which leads to impacting their social relationships. They might feel emotional after the real incident.
Other symptoms of atypical depression that align with the symptoms of major depression include anxiety, feeling sad most of the time, being easily frustrated or sad, getting bored of things that I once enjoyed, and fatigue.
Read More: Symptoms and Causes of Depression – How to Treat Them?
What Causes Atypical Depression?
To get treatment for atypical depression, we must understand the causes of this type of depression. There are various reasons for atypical depression to develop and there are many factors that may play a part in developing this depressive disorder.
For some people, researchers still don’t know the reason for atypical depression but here are some factors that can lead you to atypical depression.
Biological Factors: Impaired functioning of neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors can cause atypical depression. Having a biological family member with mood disorders like bipolar disorder and persistent depressive disorder may cause atypical depression.
Psychological Factors: Early life experiences, personal traits, and acute stress may contribute to the development of atypical depression. Trauma and other psychological diseases like OCD might become the reason for your atypical depression.
Environmental Factors: Chronic stress and other significant lifestyle changes can impact your mental health, resulting in depression. In this case, there are more chances to develop major depressive disorder but atypical depression can also happen.
Read More: OCD And Depression: Understanding The Connection
Treatment for Atypical Depression
Atypical depression treatment is the same as for depression with small changes. There are three ways we can treat atypical depression. The methods to deal with this psychotic disorder include psychiatric medication management, therapeutic approaches, and lifestyle modifications. Let’s discuss each of the solutions in detail.
What are atypical antidepressants?
The first way to manage your depression is by taking antidepressants. But for this psychiatric medication management is essential, as antidepressants are used for the treatment of various mental health disorders. Atypical antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are commonly prescribed by psychiatrists to regulate mood and control symptoms. Antipsychotics are also used to manage atypical depression.
Psychotherapy
The second approach used for atypical depression treatment is therapy. Psychotherapy is used for treating atypical depression, this is one that is also used for treating psychosis. It is essentially talk therapy. The two subtypes of talk therapy that are used for treating atypical depression are cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps in managing negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause depression. IPT is used to improve social connectivity to minimize the symptoms of depressive disorder.
Lifestyle Modifications
There is no separate atypical depression test, so we have to treat it with the same strategy as for major depression. Lifestyle changes can help you take better control of your life. Keeping up a balanced diet and regular physical activity can improve mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Following a good sleep schedule and drinking a lot of water is indispensable for managing hypersomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Read More: Is Crying In Your Sleep A Sign Of Depression?
Complementary Therapies Used for Managing Atypical Depression
Therapy and medication are the basic treatments used for dealing with depression. But other ways can help you manage psychotic disorders. Let’s see the coping mechanisms that can aid in controlling mental illnesses.
Meditation: It is one of the efficient ways of treating atypical depression. You can meditate to control your emotions and moods to help you treat atypical disorders.
Yoga: Yoga is an effective way to get dominant over your feelings and emotions and can elevate your control over depression.
How Inland Empire Behavioral Group Treats Atypical Depression
At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, we provide telehealth psychiatric services to people who are facing mental illnesses. Whether you want clinical services or need telehealth services, our expert professionals provide evidence-based and customized solutions to the needs of patients. From psychosis to atypical depression, we offer all the mental health solutions. Get in touch with us now and get treatment for atypical depression.
Read More: What is Double Depression and the Treatment for Double Depression
Conclusion
Atypical depression is a type of depression in which you experience a sudden boost in mood because of positive events. Biological, psychological, and environmental factors that cause atypical depression. For atypical depression treatment, there are different ways including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. If you need professional assistance on your needs, contact the Inland Empire Behavioral Group and get the care you deserve.
