- Gender
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- Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop atypical depression than men.
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- Hormonal factors like estrogen fluctuations may contribute, especially during adolescence, postpartum, or perimenopause.
- Early onset of depression
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- People who develop depression before age 20 are more likely to show atypical features.
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- This form often becomes chronic or recurrent.
- Family history of mood disorders
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- Having a first-degree relative with depression, notably with atypical or bipolar features, raises your risk.
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- This suggests a possible genetic vulnerability.
- Co-occurring anxiety disorders
There’s a strong link with:
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- Social anxiety disorder.
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- Panic disorder.
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- Generalized anxiety disorder.
Some researchers believe anxiety sensitivity fuels rejection sensitivity.
- Personality traits
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- High levels of neuroticism, interpersonal sensitivity, and rejection sensitivity have been strongly associated with atypical depression.
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- People with atypical depression often have dependent or avoidant traits.
- Childhood trauma or adverse experiences
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- Emotional neglect, abuse, or attachment issues can predispose someone to this subtype.
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- That’s particularly true if those experiences shaped rejection fears or low self-worth.
- Stressful life events
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- Chronic stress, interpersonal conflict, or a major loss, like relationship breakups, often trigger episodes.
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- Rejection or abandonment themes are common and relevant.
- Metabolic and hormonal imbalances
Some evidence suggests a link between atypical depression and:
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- Insulin resistance.
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- Obesity.
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- Inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6).
This may explain symptoms like increased appetite, weight gain, and leaden paralysis.
- Bipolar spectrum traits
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- While atypical depression is not the same as bipolar disorder, some people with this subtype may have bipolar tendencies, principally bipolar II.
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- It is important to screen for hypomanic episodes, as treatments differ.
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