Atypical depression

Atypical depressions are those characterized by high levels of phobic anxiety or by reversed vegetative symptoms such as hypersomnia and hyperphagia. Patients with such depressions may present overtly for treatment. However, they may also present within other diagnostic categories such as personality disorder or somatic complaints. The comparative roles of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, heterocyclic antidepressants, and other biologic treatments for atypical depressions are discussed.