DEPRESSION WITH ANXIETY AND ATYPICAL DEPRESSION

Some forms of anxiety and affective disorder, such as panic disorder and major depression, appear distinct, but frequently symptoms of depression and anxiety occur together. The comorbidity of anxiety and depression not only has implications for the differential diagnosis of the disorder but affects the severity and course of illness and its responsiveness to treatment. The results of studies of atypical depression suggest that this form of depressive illness responds better to monoamine oxidase inhibiting medications than to tricyclic antidepressant agents, and this preferential responsiveness may in fact define the boundaries of atypical depression. The serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor paroxetine seems to have a beneficial effect on symptoms of anxiety and agitation in depressed patients. Further clinical research is needed, however, to determine the best way to manage depression with anxiety and atypical depression.