Atypical Depression (also known as Major Depressive Disorder with atypical features in the DSM-5) is a subtype of depression characterized by mood reactivity (moods that are strongly reactive to environmental circumstances, and feeling extremely sensitive - this is a must have feature), hypersomnia, carbohydrate craving/increased appetite, leaden paralysis (profound fatigue), and chronic rejection sensitivity. Atypical depression results in more disability than melancholic depression, because individuals often have more interpersonal difficulties.
In addition to meeting the criteria for major depressive disorder, the following specifier criteria are required to make the diagnosis of atypical depression:
This specifier can be applied when these features predominate during the majority of days of the current or most recent major depressive episode or persistent depressive disorder.
2
or more of the following:RAILS
can be used to remember the features of atypical depression.R
- Reactivity in moodA
- Appetite increase I
- Interpersonal rejection sensitivityL
- Leaden paralysisS
- Sleep increase