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Re: Atypical Depression versus Bipolar Depression » SLS

Posted by g_g_g_unit on July 7, 2010, at 3:26:59

In reply to Atypical Depression versus Bipolar Depression, posted by SLS on December 14, 2009, at 7:26:02

I was wondering if it might be possible to revive this thread, as, even after some rudimentary reading up on both conditions, I'm still really uncertain about where the distinction lies (and consequently the nature of my own dx).

One thing I'm confused about is just what exactly a 'positive' event encompasses? My mood picks up in response to an upcoming psychiatrist appointment, for example, because I hope it might lead to me getting better - but does that count? I just feel more optimistic during the leadup, and then tend to 'crash' when things go awry again.

Do positive events have to be external? Can those with mood reactivity experience an uplift in response to engaging in their personal interests (playing guitar, writing, whatever)? I can't engage in my interests due to anhedonia, so is it possible to have mood reactivity and anhedonia?

I'd also be curious whether cognitive impairment is more deleterious in bipolar depression, or if those with atypical dep. experience a similar deterioration of their concentration, brain fog etc.? What about when atypical depression presents with comorbid ADHD? Are the cognitive deficits even worse in an ADHD depression?

> Atypical depression and bipolar depression look very similar. Anergia and reverse vegetative symptoms predominate (hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and leaden paralysis). However, mood-reactivity seems to be a feature specific to atypical depression, although it does not always manifest. This is still being debated. It may be that there is a great deal of misunderstanding between posting members of Psycho-Babble when an atypical compares themself to a bipolar and doesn't understand why the bipolar is not reactive to the same things that they are. Perhaps this includes psychotherapy and exercise.
>
> Has anyone noted other differences between atypical and bipolar depressions?
>
>
> - Scott

 

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