Hi L,

I can't tell you whether or not he has atypical depression, but I can tell you that the only reason MAOIs are rarely prescribed is not that they are so powerful, but that nasty reactions can ensue if certain quite common foods are eaten. It would be hard to persuade a doctor to prescribe them for anyone, especiallty someone young.

If you read through Ask Anne and the Archives, I'm sure you'll come across posts by me that spell this out in detail but it won't do you a lot of good. Only big deal psychopharmacologists will take the time and trouble to write a prescription for RIMAs (reversible MAOIs available everywhere except in this country) and fill out the necessary forms to order them from a (completely legitimate!) Canadian pharmacy. and even if you found one who agreed to do this, they probably would not be covered by any American health insurance.

Wellbutrin is often a good substitute. Ask your son if you can sit in for 15 mins on his next appoinment with the prescribing physician. Again, check out Ask Anne for detailed info on why and how to suggest it - have discussed this subject there multiple times and of course it's in all the books. It's possible that the problem is dosage.

Hope this helps,
Anne