Depression with atypical features in various kinds of affective disorders

Assessment of atypical symptoms in various types of depressive disorders, using the author's questionnaire for symptoms of atypical depression.

The study involved 70 patients with a diagnosis of depressive episode in the course of recurrent depression, 54 patients with a diagnosis of depressive episode in bipolar disorder (BD) and 58 patients with a diagnosis of dysthymia. To assess the severity of atypical symptoms, the special questionnaire has been elaborated. In each diagnostic group, half of patients had normal body weight, and half were overweight or obese (BMI > 25).

Patients with various types of depression did not differ significantly in terms of clinical and demographic factors. Symptoms of atypical depression such as increased appetite, weight gain and leaden paralysis were more common in women. Patients with bipolar depression had significantly increased symptoms such as hypersomnia (compared with dysthymia), and leaden paralysis (vs. recurrent depression and dysthymia). In overweight and obese patients, the severity of atypical symptoms correlated with body mass index and intensity of depression score on the 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. In this group, all symptoms of atypical depression were significantly more intense in patients with depression in the course of bipolar disorder.

The results indicate higher prevalence of symptoms of atypical depression in bipolar disorder compared with recurrent depression and dysthymia. They also suggest the interdependency between the symptoms of atypical depression, bipolar disorder and obesity.