Atypical Depression. What Is It? Symptoms & Treatment

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

What Is The Difference Between Typical And Atypical Depression?

The main difference between typical and atypical depression lies in presenting symptoms. While both are subtypes of major depressive disorder, they have distinct features that set them apart.

•  Mood Reactivity: One of the defining characteristics of atypical depression is mood reactivity. Individuals with this subtype experience temporary improvements in mood in response to positive events or situations. In contrast, individuals with typical depression have a consistently low mood, regardless of favorable circumstances.
•  Sleep Patterns: Atypical depression is often associated with increased sleep or excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia). Individuals may have difficulty waking up in the morning and need to sleep for prolonged periods. In typical depression, sleep patterns can vary, with individuals experiencing either insomnia or hypersomnia.
•  Appetite and Weight: In atypical depression, there is a tendency towards increased appetite and weight gain. Individuals may have specific cravings, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods. Conversely, individuals with typical depression may experience changes in appetite that can result in weight loss or weight gain. Still, it is not specifically linked to increased hunger or food cravings.

• Leaden Paralysis: Atypical depression is characterized by a sensation of heaviness or paralysis in the arms and legs, known as leaden paralysis. This feeling of being physically weighed down is not typically present in typical depression.
• Rejection Sensitivity: Individuals with atypical depression may have heightened sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism from others. This sensitivity can trigger intense emotional reactions and feelings of worthlessness. Rejection sensitivity is not a specific characteristic of typical depression.

While these differences help distinguish between the two subtypes, individuals may exhibit overlapping symptoms or a combination. A thorough assessment by a mental health professional is necessary to accurately diagnose and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for an individual’s specific depressive symptoms.

Atypical Depression Treatment

The treatment of atypical depression typically involves a combination of various therapeutic approaches. These approaches can depend on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Here are some commonly used treatment strategies for atypical depression:

•  Atypical Depression Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressant medications for atypical depression. These medications can help regulate mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve overall functioning. A medical professional will determine the best medication and dosage based on your circumstances.

Different forms of psychotherapy can be beneficial in treating atypical depression.

• Psychotherapy: Different forms of psychotherapy can be beneficial in treating atypical depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to identify and modify negative behaviors and thought patterns associated with depression. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and addressing social difficulties that may contribute to depressive symptoms. Psychodynamic therapy and other forms of talk therapy may also be utilized to explore underlying emotions and experiences.
•  Light Therapy: For individuals with atypical depression with a seasonal pattern, where symptoms worsen during specific seasons, light therapy (phototherapy) can be effective. This involves exposure to bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight. Light therapy can also help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood.
•  Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can alleviate depressive symptoms. Regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring sufficient sleep hygiene, and managing stress levels can contribute to your overall well-being.
•  Support Network: Building a solid support network is essential in managing atypical depression. Seek the support of trusted friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional understanding and encouragement throughout the treatment process.

Consult a mental health professional to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment for atypical depression is typically a collaborative process, and it may take time to find the most effective approach for symptom management and overall improvement in quality of life.

We Level Up Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Atypical Depression Center

At We Level Up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, our Atypical Depression Center offers specialized services to address the unique features and challenges of atypical depression effectively. Our services may include the following:

• Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct thorough evaluations and assessments to accurately diagnose and understand the individual’s atypical depression, considering the specific symptoms and associated factors.
• Individual Therapy: Providing one-on-one therapy sessions with qualified professionals trained in evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), to address the specific symptoms and underlying causes of atypical depression.
• Medication Management: Collaborating with psychiatrists or medical professionals to provide medication management services, including prescribing and monitoring medications that may effectively manage atypical depression symptoms.
• Psychoeducation: Offering educational resources and information about atypical depression, including its symptoms, triggers, and available treatment options. This helps individuals better understand their condition and empowers them to participate actively in treatment.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Providing guidance and support in making positive lifestyle changes that can help alleviate atypical depression symptoms. This may involve recommendations for exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and stress management techniques.
• Social Skills Training: Assisting individuals in improving their social skills and enhancing their interpersonal relationships, which can be affected by atypical depression. This may include communication strategies, assertiveness training, and building a support network.
• Coping Strategies Development: Working with individuals to develop effective coping mechanisms to manage atypical depression symptoms, including stress reduction techniques, emotion regulation skills, and problem-solving strategies.
• Relapse Prevention: Developing personalized relapse prevention plans to help individuals recognize warning signs, cope with potential triggers, and prevent future episodes of atypical depression.
• Supportive Environment: Creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where individuals with atypical depression feel understood, validated, and supported throughout their treatment journey.
• Coordination of Care: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians or specialists, to ensure integrated and holistic care, particularly if co-occurring conditions or factors impact atypical depression.

Popular Atypical Depression FAQs

Clinical Depression Informative Video

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.