Atypical depression is a type of depression that overwhelms an individual almost to the point of emotional paralysis. Oftentimes, atypical depression is set off by perceived as well as real rejections so that even a constructive criticism is taken as a personal affront.

If you are battling atypical depression, you probably feel extremely sensitive to criticism. If you are married or have a significant other, you may feel a bout of depression if he or she does not give you a hug or turns away from you instead of holding you while sleeping together.

You may eat too much and turn to comfort foods such as hot chocolate, roast beef and gravy or carbohydrates when you experience atypical depression. Don’t be surprised if it’s hard to get out of bed or if you sleep more than 10 hours with atypical depression.

People with atypical depression feel sluggish so that even daily ordinary tasks seem too complicated and cumbersome. A romantic break-up or death in the family may set off serious symptoms of atypical depression. Atypical depression often follows rejections by close friends, co-workers or family members.

Atypical depression is not new. Indeed, it is one of the most common kinds of depression. The name atypical depression comes from the fact many of its symptoms are opposite to those of some severe depressions. For example people with atypical depression tend to overeat and oversleep. In contrast, people with depression can’t eat or sleep. You may feel anxious instead of numb.

If you have atypical depression, you may feel as though your body is so heavy you can’t lift your head or walk.

Experts have linked atypical depression to other psychiatric problems such as borderline personality disorder, but only a professional can diagnose you with having atypical depression. Atypical depression may occur together with panic disorder. Many people with atypical depression abuse drugs or alcohol.

If you are diagnosed with atypical depression, your psychiatrist may prescribe a MAOI as opposed to a tricyclic antidepressant. He or she may also prescribe an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that do not have the same side effects as associated with MAOIs. SSRI medications include fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine that usually take a month to start working.

If you are still unsure whether or not you have atypical depression, see your doctor. Also, check off to see whether you have any of the following symptoms of atypical depression:

1. sleeping more than 10 hours

2. cyclical depressive mood

3 emotional sensitivity to criticism and rejection

4. feelings of lethargy and emotional paralysis

5. increased appetite and food cravings for carbohydrates

According to the DSM-IV,1, the official guide to psychological disorders, atypical depression is characterized by mood reactivity and two or more of the following criteria: hypersomnia, increased appetite or weight gain , leaden paralysis, longstanding sensitivity to interpersonal rejection that results in significant social or occupational impairment.

If you have atypical depression, you are at higher risk for more serious and sudden major depression. You may not even know you have atypical depression because you feel depressed most of the time. You may try to hide your symptoms of atypical depression by working harder, going on diets, analyzing your failed relationships and staying on a rigid schedule; however, you have only covered up your atypical depression not cured it.

Once your doctor has diagnosed you with atypical depression, you will have the option of taking antidepressants to control the symptoms. It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like Deprex with your health care provider before using prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.

You may also decide to see a psychiatrist who may help you sort out your problems but make sure to get a referral of one who is familiar with atypical depression.

Finally, many experts believe there is a genetic component to atypical depression. They also have found atypical depressive episodes may become chronic.

People with atypical depression are externally validated. They feel good when people give them positive compliments and they feel bad when someone criticizes them. Their moods change and shift as quickly as the wind depending if they are isolated and lonely or with a group of friends enjoying a night out on the town. If you think you may have atypical depression, consult with a psychiatrist who specializes in atypical depression.