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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Like other types of depression, atypical depression is a serious illness that can cause major problems. Atypical depression can result in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life. Complications associated with atypical depression can include:

  • Substance abuse — many people with depression drink too much or abuse illegal drugs
  • Anxiety, which may be connected to a fear of criticism or rejection
  • Family conflicts
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Heart disease and other medical conditions
  • Work or school problems
  • Social isolation
  • Suicidal feelings or suicide
References
  1. Depressive disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  2. Atypical features specifier. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  3. Stewart JW, et al. DSM-IV Depression with atypical features: Is it valid? Neuropsychopharmacology. 2009;34:2625.
  4. Pae C, et al. Atypical depression: A comprehensive review. CNS Drugs. 2009;2:1023.
  5. Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  6. Lyness JM. Depression: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  7. Loosen PT, et al. Mood disorders. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3285019. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  8. Katon W, et al. Initial treatment of depression in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  9. Kung S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 26, 2010.
  10. Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=320111. Accessed April 13, 2010.
  11. van der Watt G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;2:37.
  12. Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
  13. Wahner-Roedler D. Treating 20 common conditions. In: Bauer B. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Time Inc.; 2010:167.
DS01181 May 20, 2010

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