Posted by jsarirose on March 1, 2002, at 2:53:58
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression » Automated Lady, posted by Sparkboy on March 1, 2002, at 1:07:43
> > Just found out about atypical depression.... why have I never been told about this by any of the doctors or psychiatrists/counsellors I've seen? Can anyone else tell me about their experiences being diagnosed with this, or is it something they only recognise in the US?
> >
> > I've been struggling with depression since my teens (I'm now 24) and have never understood why it just wouldn't go away, why no medication really seemed to work, and why I was sleeping and eating so much when you're supposed to lose weight and not sleep when depressed (this was made worse because my mother suffered "classic" depression and I think expected mine to take the same course as hers).
> >
> > Anyone id, and what kind of medication has worked?
> >
> > AL
>
> Hello. Yeah, this sounds like atypical depression. Younger onset and chronic, along with the more notorious symptoms you describe. I wouldn't waste time on re-uptake inhibitors (non-MAOIs). MAOIs defined atypical depression in the late '50s, when some doctors described the peculiarities of a group of patients who ONLY responded to an MAOI and not imipramine (tricyclic) or ECT. I found it interesting that the biology (a selective drug response) defined this illness rather than a subjective cataloging of symptoms. I think modern researchers muddy the definition of atypical depression by a seeming unawareness of the history.
>
> Parnate was the only thing that ever worked for me. Nardil is also used. Marplan is another. Despite recent publicity, I don't think atypical depression is all that common. I struggled for years with useless meds, many doctors, and no definitive diagnosis, until I finally went to a university medical center, got a correct diagnosis, and treated with an MAOI.
>
> --JohnWow - I could have written that. I've had atypical depression for years (since 11 years old, now 34). Just started Parnate (my first MAO) this year. It really seems to be helping. Prozac did help for a year or so several years ago, but believe me I've been on almost every drug out there. I'm at 90mg of Parnate now and feeling much better. I know it's a high dose - but I've read a lot about atypical depression sometimes needing a higher dosage.
I'm starting to feel not quite as great lately, may have to tweak the dosage and/or add something to it though.
-Jessica
poster:jsarirose
thread:95469
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95920.html