What are the symptoms of atypical depression?

What are the symptoms of atypical depression?

In addition to mood reactivity (described under “what is atypical depression”), people with atypical depression have at least two of the following symptoms:

• Increase in appetite and/or significant weight gain
• Excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Heavy feeling in the arms or legs (also called leaden paralysis)
• Intense reaction and increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection, which results in significant social and work impairment

These symptoms differ from typical depression symptoms, which often include a loss of appetite and insomnia (difficulty falling and/or staying asleep). In addition, the mood of people with typical depression usually does not improve, even when good things happen.