Depression With Atypical Features:
Diagnostic Validity, Prevalence, and Treatment
by
Quitkin FM.
Department of Therapeutics,
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons,
New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.
Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2002 Jun;4(3):94-99.

ABSTRACT

Depression with atypical features is a treatable and relatively common disorder among depressed outpatients. A growing body of evidence suggests this is a biologically distinct subtype of depression. This assertion is supported by genetic epidemiologic studies and by a preferential response of the subtype to monoamine oxidase inhibitors compared with tricyclic antidepressants. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) includes atypical features as a parenthetical modifier for depressive illness. According to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria ("atypical features" specifier), the disorder is primarily characterized by 2 or more of the following symptoms as predominant features in patients with major depression or dysthymic disorder: overeating, oversleeping, "leaden paralysis," and interpersonal rejection sensitivity. Patients also show mood reactivity in response to actual or potential positive events. Despite aspects of the disorder resembling a maladaptive, persistent mode of behavior, patients diagnosed with depression with atypical features demonstrate a good response to antidepressant treatment.

Options
Depressive realism
Retarded depression
New antidepressants
Psychotic-depression
Depression without sadness
Oversleeping and overeating
Atypical depression: treatment
The atypical subtype of depression
Atypical depression and personality
Atypical depression and noradrenaline
Atypical depression and soft bipolarity
Atypical depression : biological markers

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family