Atypical Depression (AD) is a subtype of Major Depression characterized by mood reactivity — being able to experience improved mood in response to positive events. In contrast, sufferers of melancholic depression generally cannot experience positive moods, even when good things happen. Additionally, atypical depression is characterized by reversed vegetative symptoms, namely over-eating and over-sleeping and tends to cause greater functional impairment than other forms of depression.

The DSM-IV-TR, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines Major Depressive Disorder with Atypical Features as a subtype of depression characterized by:

a) Mood reactivity (i.e., mood brightens in response to actual or potential positive events)

b) At least two of the following:

Significant weight gain or increase in appetite;
Hypersomnia (sleeping too much, as opposed to the insomnia present in melancholic depression);
Leaden paralysis (i.e., heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs);
Long-standing pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity (not limited to episodes of
mood disturbance) that results in significant social or occupational impairment.

c) Criteria are not met for Melancholic Depression or Catatonic Depression during the same episode.

 

Despite its name, "atypical" depression is actually the most common subtype of depression, with up to 40% of the depressed population may be classified as having atypical depression. Atypical depression tends to occur earlier in life than other forms of depression — usually beginning in teenage years. Similarly, patients with atypical depression are more likely to suffer from other mental illnesses such as social phobia, avoidant personality disorder, or body dysmorphic disorder. Atypical depression is more common in females with nearly 70% of the atypical population being women.

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