What causes atypical depression?
What causes atypical depression?
Doctors do not know exactly why some people experience depression or atypical depression. However, theories include:
- Impaired functioning of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry brain signals to other parts of the body) and/or neuroreceptors (the “receivers” of the signals)
- Genetics (having a family member with mood disorders including bipolar disorder and dysthymia [long-term depression] may also contribute to the development of atypical depression
- Trauma
- Stress
Additional risk factors for the development of atypical depression include:
- Negative childhood experiences
- Emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- Significant illness
- Grief following a significant loss
- History of substance abuse