Atypical Symptoms of Depression

According to "Psychiatric News," fifty years ago two British psychiatrists (West and Dally) described a subtype of depression that did not fit the criteria for any other depressive type. Twenty-five years later a group of researchers at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons expounded on that subtype and developed the criteria for what is now called atypical depression. The symptoms of atypical depression are quite varied, even the polar opposite from those of major depression. Louis S. Matza, Ph.D., made this point in a study published in "Archives of General Psychiatry" in which it was observed that patients with atypical depression displayed "reverse vegetative symptoms." That is, whereas people with major depression usually experience loss of sleep and appetite, people with atypical depression experience excessive sleep (hypersomnia) and appetite (hyperphagia). In all, five main symptoms, or criteria, of atypical depression have been identified.

Mood Reactivity

• People with major depression experience a deep, pervasive sadness all the time, no matter what type of situation they are in. However, if you have atypical depression, your mood will change depending on your situation. In other words, your mood will be a "reaction" to your perception of your life at the moment. For example, if you are worried about or saddened by something, like finances or a family illness, then you will feel depressed, with all of the clinical symptoms that go along with it. But as soon as the situation resolves itself, your mood will lift and you'll feel good again.

Rejection Sensitivity

• It is normal to fear rejection, but, according to "Psychology Today," if you have atypical depression, you may find that your fear of rejection is overwhelming and often crippling. You may be so sensitive to rejection that you perceive in the normal words and actions of others intentional cruelty and hurtful slights that were not intended. Your fear of being rejected may be so overpowering that it prevents you from even trying to pursue relationships, excel at work or attend social gatherings.

Hypersomnia

• According to Psych Central, hypersomnia is characterized by excessive nighttime sleeping and periods of intermittent daytime sleeping. You may suddenly feel as if you want to nap while at work, while eating lunch or while performing a task such as doing the laundry. You may feel the need to sleep in order to escape your worries. Other symptoms of hypersomnia include slow speech and thought processes. anxiety, irritability, lack of energy, loss of appetite, restlessness, memory problems, hallucinations and inability to function socially.

Hyperphagia

• Hyperphagia (excessive overeating) has, according to eating disorders specialists, been linked to psychiatric and sleep disorders. Hyperphagia along with increased cravings for sweets and carbohydrates is common in people with atypical depression. If you are hyperphagic, you will spend an inordinate amount of time eating, way past the point of satiation. You may allow your eating to take the place of normal activities with family and friends, and you may find that eating relaxes you and helps you escape your worries, at least for the moment.

Leaden Paralysis

• A truly crippling symptom of atypical depression, leaden paralysis is characterized by the feeling that your body, particularly your arms and legs, are too heavy to move, hence the term "leaden." You may feel as if you don't have the will or the physical strength to perform daily household chores, go grocery shopping or even get out of bed and dress yourself, as if your mood and worry have completely consumed your energy.