A second type of expression of acute stress-driven non-melancholic depression is characterised by an intense emotional reaction that appears disproportionate to the stressor (‘key and lock’ model) which we refer to as Type 2. This stressor has particular salience to the depressed individual, often unlocking histories of previous emotionally charged or traumatic events. Individuals with expressions of Type 2 acute stress-related non-melancholic depression may not be immediately aware of the reasons for their intense reaction. Once these reasons are uncovered, usually with the help of a therapist, understanding and accepting the links with their past can help to alleviate many of their distressing symptoms and build resilience against future reactions of this type.

The psychotransmitter model

Some life events have particular salience for the development of non-melancholic depression. Using an agonist model once again, some types of depressogenic neurotransmitters (life events) with salient types of psychological configurations can rapidly dock and lock onto receptors (interpretation and reaction) and initiate high levels of cellular activity (stress). In response to that activity, channels open and remain opened (here, perceptual and attributIONal styles reinforce the interpretation of and reactions to life events), and continue to stimulate cellular activity to dangerous levels. The post-synaptic neuron once again becomes over-stimulated and has to expend energy in order to slow down cellular activity by removing receptors and thus closing the attributION channels which, in turn, also shuts down self-esteem (causing depression).