Atypical Depression Symptoms

Atypical depression tends to exhibit a particular set of signs and symptoms. It is found that, teenagers tend to be the common victims of this condition. And, according to different cases, females are more vulnerable, than their opposite sex. The treatment to deal with this condition is the same as what is followed for all kinds of depression; medications, psychological therapy, and changes in lifestyle.

Basic Signs and Symptoms that Indicate Atypical Depression In An Individual

The primary symptoms include those of all other kinds of depression. These include having a feeling of sadness, sense of resentment, feeling tearful and decreasing interest in activities which used to be enjoyable before. Now, these general symptoms may be accompanied by increased sleepiness (hypersomnia), heavy feeling in the limbs, increased hunger (hyperphagia), which leads to weight gain. The affected person may develop a low tolerance towards criticism or rejection. This may lead to relationship conflicts at home and office. One of the classic indicants of atypical depression is a fluctuating mood that improves with good news, but worsens later. Also, patients suffering from this condition do not have the capability to maintain long-distance relationships, and they have a fear of getting into one.

Apart from these, other symptoms include:

• Aches and pains for no apparent reason
• Fatigue
• Hopelessness
• Increased irritability
• Low libido
• Problems with digestion
• Suicidal thoughts
• Inability to take decisions

The Offenders

There are no specific causes for this condition which have been identified. Experts believe that a combination of a number of factors are responsible for it. These may include childhood events, heredity factors, and issues with the working of neurotransmitters.

Measures to Manage the Condition and its Symtoms

Dealing with atypical depression involves the same methods which are employed for all other types. Most people find relief from medications and counseling sessions or psychotherapy. As far as the counseling sessions are concerned, here the patient and doctor have an interaction wherein, the patient's condition and related issues are the main subjects. Now, these may include talking about the triggers of depression, and ways to avoid them. The patient is helped to realize the symptoms he/she is exhibiting, and bring changes in his/her unhealthy behavior. The experts, through lengthy and extensive discussions, try to figure out factors which are linked to the patient being a victim of this psychological condition; these could be experiences in early life or certain relationships.

The treatment also involves making the patient aware of ways with the help of which, he/she can cope up with stressful situations in a better way. As the counseling proceeds, the sufferer is encouraged to set realistic goals for himself/herself, and increase the happiness factor in life.

When it comes to the patients, they must follow the recommended treatment plan religiously, educate themselves about depression and its many subtypes, be cautious about any kind of warning signs or symptoms, and paying diligent attention to healthy food and regular exercise. Most people have this misconception that the effect of alcohol or illicit drugs, helps in decreasing depression. Although it may seem like this initially, but in the long run, these stuff worsen the condition to an extent that it becomes difficult to reverse it altogether.

To conclude, the nature of atypical depression is no different from any other types of depression, except in case of its symptoms, which have, as mentioned, a particular nature. Going by what the doctor recommends, and seeking support friends and family help make things easier.