What term describes the use of MAOIs for treating depression characterized by increased appetite and sleep?

The term that describes the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for treating depression characterized by increased appetite and sleep is indeed atypical depression. Atypical depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder that includes symptoms such as mood reactivity (the ability to experience temporary improvements in mood in response to positive events), increased appetite, increased sleep (hypersomnia), and a significant pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity.

MAOIs can be particularly effective for individuals with atypical depression, as they target specific neurotransmitter systems that may be imbalanced in this subtype. This can help alleviate both the mood symptoms as well as the atypical features like increased appetite and sleepiness, which are not as commonly seen in other types of depression.

Understanding the characteristics of atypical depression is critical for determining appropriate treatment options and recognizing how specific medications, such as MAOIs, can have particular benefits for addressing its unique symptom profile.