Feeling low, sluggish thoughts, dwindling will, always sighing, sometimes even contemplating life and death, these are typical manifestations of depression. Normal depression is easy to recognize; a few more glances are enough to identify it. However, some depressed patients do not exhibit obvious signs, they belong to the atypical depression category. So, what are the characteristics of atypical depression?
1. Smiling Type
It’s challenging to detect this type of patient as suffering from depression. Normal depressed individuals are internally in deep anguish, often expressing sentiments like “life is tiring, better off dead, days are dragging.” Contrary to this, these patients frequently smile and chat with family and colleagues, giving no hint of depression. However, inwardly, the patients consider this behavior as “pretending to smile,” displaying all façade.
2. Concealed Type
Patients with concealed depression often exhibit symptoms in the body and autonomic nervous system. The most common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, numbness in limbs, nausea, vomiting, with the emotional depression less apparent. This leads many individuals to perceive these symptoms as mere physical discomfort or other causes, resulting in misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Not all symptoms of this type are indicative of depression; they could arise from other causes, hence the concealed nature.
3. Subclinical
According to the World Health Organization, this type of depression is most prevalent in the United States, with a peak incidence rate of 30% to 40%. Patients with this form of depression frequently complain about life, feel fatigued and powerless, express dissatisfaction with work, exhibit low work efficiency, suffer from insomnia, lack concentration, falling below the standard symptoms and severity of typical depression. It leads many to be unaware of their condition as depression and seek treatment from general practitioners, with only a minority consulting specialists, and in severe cases, leading to suicide.
4. Conscientious Type
Patients of this type find it challenging to muster motivation, are reluctant to move, and exhibit low work efficiency. Conversely, some may display workaholic tendencies. They immerse themselves entirely in work, fearing idleness. While many consider this normal behavior, prolonged instances can trap the patients in prolonged mental agony, leading to severe consequences like suicide.
