The validity of major depression with atypical features based on a community study

J Affect Disord. 1992 Oct;26(2):117-25. doi: 10.1016/0165-0327(92)90043-6.

Abstract

This article reports on evidence for the validity of major depression (MDD) with atypical features (defined as overeating and oversleeping) as a distinct subtype based on cross-sectional and 1-year prospective data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study. MDD with atypical features, when compared to MDD without atypical features, was associated with a younger age of onset, more psychomotor slowing, and more comorbid panic disorder, drug abuse or dependence, and somatization disorder. These differences could not be explained by differences in demographic characteristics or by symptom severity. This study, based on a community sample, found that major depression with atypical features may constitute a distinct subtype.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / classification
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / complications
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Somatoform Disorders / complications