Do I have atypical depression?

Question:
Dr. McLeod

Hi I just found your study and I am going to see if my local bookstore has your book and if they do I am going to get it. If they don't I am going to order it. I wanted to tell you my story and see if you think I might have atypical depression and a deficiencies of chromium. I am 27 and female 5'9 359lbs. I had a great childhood parents stayed together and were happy I was always loved and had lots and lots of family around. I have a huge appetite and do not know why. I crave candy and cookies and cake and bread and pasta and potatoes and french fries that sort of stuff all the time. I feel like I never get enough sleep. I sleep at least 11 hours a day and I could sleep all day if I was able. I am more tired when I wake up in the morning than I am before going to bed. My husband says I am weird that he has never heard of someone who has more energy at night time than they do after a good nights rest. I have gained about 100lbs in the last 2 years and I have seen my doctor and their is no medical condition for the weight gain. I feel like my arms and legs are heavy and they seem hard to lift. I recently woke up feeling weird and strange then I started to get worried then I felt as if I couldn't breath and that I was going to pass out. I was very scared and I knew I was going to die. I called the ambulance and everything looked great, but they took me to the hospital anyway. All my blood work, EKG, O2 sat, blood pressure everything was perfect, no blood clots, no pe nothing. The Doc said he was pretty sure I had a panic attack. It does not take much to hurt my feelings. I have been known to cry easily and I take everyone personal even from my own husband. I also feel as if everyone is mad at me and doesn't like me. I am sorry to keep going on and on. I was wondering if you thought I might have this type of depression. Thank you for any advice you can give me. I recently went to a vegan diet and I have started exercising by walking everyday. Thank you again

C.
Answer:
Dear C.
I cannot give individual advice. You must consult your healthcare professional before acting on any suggestions I'm about to make. But yes indeed, it sounds like you have atypical depression and you sound like a good candidate for chromium. The shortness of breath may be due to sleep apnea, with your abdominal weight pushing up on your diaphragm and making it difficult for you to breathe. Hopefully chromium will curb your food cravings and give you enough energy to exercise and lose weight.
Please let me know if chromium helps you.
My best wishes to you,
Malcolm McLeod, MD