What is depression?
Any type of depression can make you feel sad and keep you from enjoying life.
Despite its name, atypical depression is not uncommon or unusual. It can affect how you feel, think and behave, and it can lead to emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
Treatment for atypical depression includes medication, talk therapy (psychotherapy) and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of atypical depression can vary from person to person. Key signs and symptoms may include:
- Depression that temporarily lifts in response to good news or positive events
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Sleeping too much but still feeling sleepy in the daytime
- Heavy, leaden feeling in your arms or legs that lasts an hour or more in a day
- Sensitivity to rejection or criticism, which affects your relationships, social life or job
For some people, signs and symptoms of atypical depression can be severe, such as feeling suicidal or not being able to do basic day-to-day activities.
If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. Atypical depression may get worse if it isn't treated. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call emergency number immediately.
Causes
It's not known exactly what causes atypical depression.
Atypical depression often starts in the teenage years, earlier than other types of depression, and can have a more long-term (chronic) course.
As with other types of depression, a combination of factors may be involved.
Risk factors for atypical depression may include:
- Heredity
- History of bipolar disorder
- Misuse of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Traumatic childhood experiences
- Environmental stressors
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atypical-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20369747
