The DSM-IV-TR defines Atypical Depression as a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder with Atypical Features, characterized by:
- Mood reactivity (i.e., mood brightens in response to actual or potential positive events)
- 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.
Can you identify with this? It's totally true for me... but it's weird. It looks like an agglomeration of Depression, AvPD and Binge Eating Disorder to me.
I wonder what's the background behind it. I always considered my depression to be rooted in my AvPD and the fact that people seem to hate fat people, which I feel on a daily basis, by slights, comments and all that lot. And since my PD makes me vulnerable to these things anyway, it's no wonder I got depressed. The BED by itself in return is based on my personality style, too (poor coping skills regarding emotions).
So I'm curious about you.... I could imagine there is a direct linkage between people with Atypical depression and BED too. What do you think?