What Is "Smiling Depression" (Atypical Depression)?
Smiling depression (atypical depression) is the effort to appear happy on the outside despite a storm raging inside. A man experiencing low mood or who no longer derives pleasure from activities does not reveal this state to others. The term “atypical depression,” which carries the closest meaning and shows the greatest similarity, is used for smiling depression (atypical depression)
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A man experiencing “smiling depression” (atypical depression) puts on a mask for those around him in his daily life, but inside, he feels hopeless and lost—and may even consider ending it all.
Feeling out of sorts, experiencing sadness, or feeling distressed when something happens are all perfectly normal emotions that everyone experiences from time to time. For these feelings to be classified as depression, they must persist for at least two weeks.
What Are the Symptoms of “Smiling Depression” (Atypical Depression)?
A person with smiling depression (atypical depression) experiences its symptoms intensely, much like those of typical depression. Generally speaking, a person with smiling depression (atypical depression) does not derive pleasure from life.
- Smiling depression (atypical depression) is classified in the literature as a subtype of major depression. This condition can sometimes be confused with major depression, which may delay diagnosis.
- The individual is dominated by intense thoughts and feelings such as a lack of enjoyment in life and hopelessness. Even when experiencing positive emotions, the person feels only momentary happiness, but this feeling is fleeting.
- Even when spending time with loved ones in a desired environment, he may feel momentary joy, but upon leaving that setting, he experiences a state of despondency.
- An increase in appetite and food intake may be observed.
- There is an excessive desire to sleep.
- He may feel chronic pain in his arms and legs.
- He may be overly sensitive even in normal situations.
- Smiling depression (atypical depression) can also be treated with a combination of therapy and medication. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a specialist physician to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for Smiling Depression (Atypical Depression)
Treatment for “smiling depression” (atypical depression) typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. A psychiatrist determines the treatment plan and tailors it to the patient’s specific condition.
- For treatment to be effective, an accurate diagnosis must first be made.
- Unfortunately, the longer the condition goes untreated, the more severe the depression becomes, making treatment even more difficult.
- Medication and dosage adjustments are made based on the patient’s condition. To this end, certain tests must be performed on the patient.
- Throughout treatment, in addition to medication, the patient receives therapy as long as deemed necessary to facilitate recovery from the current condition.
- Unless the doctor decides otherwise, medication should never be stopped on one’s own in such cases, as this can worsen the existing condition.