If you're feeling down most of the time and your symptoms don't quite match those typically associated with depression, you may be suffering from atypical depression. Here are more details to help you recognize the condition and be aware of effective treatment.
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Atypical Depression Treatment in Utah
pathwaysreallife.com/atypical-depression-treatment-in-utah
Atypical depression (dysthymic disorder) is a form of major depression characterized by a
few particular symptoms that vary from those typical of major depression. Those can
include appetite increase or weight gain and temporary improvement in mood in response
to positive events. People suffering from atypical depression may also experience intense
reactions to circumstances in their environment. Here are more details to help you
recognize the condition and be aware of effective treatment for atypical depression.
What is Atypical Depression?
Atypical depression (dysthymic disorder) is a persistent depressive disorder (chronic
major depression). It is a major depression with some symptoms that vary from the
traditional description. In many cases, atypical depression begins in the teen years. It is
defined as being in a depressed mood most of the time for two years or more (one year for
adolescents and children) and having five or more of the symptoms listed below.
As mentioned, a symptom of atypical depression may be temporary improvements in
mood caused by positive information or events. That differs from melancholic depression,
in which positive events rarely cause mood improvement.
Atypical Depression Symptoms
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One or two Atypical depression signs and symptoms may not be individual causes for
concern. However, is someone with major depression exhibits five or more of these
symptoms, that may indicate a major depressive disorder that may be atypical depression:
1. Sadness
2. Major appetite change
3. Major weight gain or loss
4. Disinterest in once-favorite activities
5. Insomnia
6. Excessive sleep
7. Fatigue
8. Sense of hopelessness
9. Sense of worthlessness
10. Restlessness
11. Persistent guilt feelings
12. Difficulty focusing
13. Difficulty making decisions
14. Extreme sensitivity to rejection
15. Persistent thoughts, plans, or attempts of suicide
Atypical Depression Cause
Depression may be linked to abnormal brain functioning in neural circuits that prevents
normal communication with others. Nerve cells in the faulty circuits do not transmit
signals through neurotransmitters that deliver the needed natural chemicals for
overcoming depression: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Antidepressant
medicines may help brain chemicals work better. Your doctor may run tests for
hypothyroidism as part of an overall diagnostic effort in lieu of an atypical depression test
per se.
Risk Factors for Atypical Depression
The specific cause of atypical depression is not yet certain, but there are risk factors for
depression that have been associated with dysthymia, including:
Family history of depression
Social isolation and biological contributors to depression
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Divorce, death, or other major loss
A major life event, like relocating, job loss, retiring
Cancer, HIV, or another serious disease
Alcohol or drug abuse
Conflicts that trigger guilt feelings
Hypothyroidism, low levels of thyroid hormone
Atypical Depression Treatment
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Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your doctor may recommend
psychotherapy (talk therapy) and/or medications to treat your depression. Various
options in psychotherapy and medications are used to treat atypical depression. Your
doctor may refer you to a mental health treatment specialist. That may mean seeing a
psychiatrist or psychologist. Outpatient and inpatient treatment for atypical depression.
Atypical Depression Treatment at Pathways, Utah
Pathways is a mental health treatment center in Utah. We provide inpatient and
outpatient treatment for atypical depression, and we offer a wide array of associated
mental health services.
Call Pathways Real Life Recovery at (801) 895-3006, or contact us here on our
website for information about atypical depression treatment or to schedule a free
assessment.