Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) >

2026 , Vol. 46 >Issue 2: 241 - 247

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2026.02.014

Review

Research progress of sleep disturbance in patients with atypical depression

  • Fang Wen ,
  • Zhang Haonan ,
  • Yang Tao ,
  • Chen Jun ,
  • Fang Yiru
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  • 1.Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
    2.Clinical Research Center/Department of Affective Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
    3.Affective Disorders Center/Department of Psychiatry, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
    4.College of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
Chen Jun, E-mail: doctorcj2010@gmail.com.

Received date: 2025-05-09

  Accepted date: 2025-05-12

  Online published: 2026-02-28

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China(82471554)

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Abstract

Atypical depression (AD) is a subtype of depression characterized by emotional reactivity, excessive sleep, increased appetite, and interpersonal sensitivity. The prevalence of excessive sleep in AD patients is significantly higher than that in patients with typical depression. Patients have characteristics such as prolonged total sleep time, poor sleep quality, and abnormal sleep structure, which are closely related to prolongation of the disease course, increased risk of recurrence, and poor treatment response. Imbalances in neurotransmitters, elevation of inflammatory factors, and disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are considered core pathological mechanisms related to sleep disturbance in AD. Existing diagnostic tools for AD have deficiencies, thus necessitating the integration of sleep disturbance characteristics, biomarkers, and neuroimaging findings to optimize diagnostic strategies. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of AD-related sleep disturbance in terms of clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and treatment, in-depth research requires interdisciplinary integration and collaboration. This article reviews the clinical features, pathological mechanisms, and current treatment strategies of sleep disturbances in atypical depression.

Key words： atypical depression (AD); sleep disturbance; clinical features; pathological mechanisms; treatment strategies

Cite this article

Fang Wen , Zhang Haonan , Yang Tao , Chen Jun , Fang Yiru . Research progress of sleep disturbance in patients with atypical depression[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2026 , 46(2) : 241 -247 . DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2026.02.014

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