Posted by JD on February 8, 2000, at 20:58:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression treatment, posted by jd on February 8, 2000, at 20:44:56
Sef,
Whoops...computer sent my last message off while I was playing around with a list of features! Anyhow, once again, the commonly cited features of atypical depression are:
--mood reactivity (unlike "typical" depressives, can be cheered up temporarily)
--overeating or increased appetite (rather than reverse)
--oversleeping (rather than insomnia)
--high rejection sensitivity
--so-called "leaden paralysis" (i.e., patient complains of feeling "heavy", incapable of movement or action, etc.)There has been much (controversial) speculation that atypical depression may respond best to MAOIs, though SSRIs apparently can work just as well for many patients with fewer side effects. Hope this clears things up a little--hope also that you caught my note above on naltrexone dosages if you're still considering going that route!
best,
jd> 'Atypical depression' is a term often used to describe forms of clinical depression that don't show the "typical" combination of symptoms. The most commonly cited "atypical" features are:
> weight gain or increased appetite, hypersomnia, leaden paralysis, interpersonal rejection sensitivity
>
> > I am new to this web site...please define 'atypical' depression. What does that mean?
poster:JD
thread:20651
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20821.html