In this section you will find:
What Are Mood Disorders?
Mood Disorders (also known as "Affective Disorders") are characterized by changes in mood state that do not have the usual connection with what is occurring in a person's life. People with depressive disorders may become sad, pessimistic, hopeless and despairing, even though they may seem to have no reasons for feeling that way. In a manic mood state a person may experience an abnormally elevated sense of self and energy, and even euphoria. Angry, irritable, agitated mood states may dominate in some patients with affective disorders. A person in a mixed affective state suffers from an activated, energized sadness that is a combination of depression and mania.
Theories About Causes
What causes mood disorders is not well known. There are chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, that are responsible for positive moods. Other chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, regulate endorphins. Most likely, depression and other mood disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Life events (such as unwanted changes in life) may also contribute to a depressed mood.
Affective disorders aggregate in families and are inherited. Many factors are involved. The factors that produce the trait or condition are usually both genetic and environmental, involving a combination of genes from both parents. Often one gender is affected more frequently than the other.
Who Is Affected by Mood Disorders?
Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. However, mood disorders are more intense and difficult to manage than normal feelings of sadness. Children, adolescents, or adults who have a parent with a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. However, life events and stress can expose or exaggerate feelings of sadness or depression, making the feelings more difficult to manage.
Sometimes, life's problems can trigger depression. Being fired from a job, getting divorced, losing a loved one, death in the family, and financial trouble, to name a few, all can be difficult, and coping with the pressure may be troublesome. These life events and stress can bring on feelings of sadness or depression or make a mood disorder harder to manage.
The chance for depression in females in the general population is nearly twice as high (12 percent) as it is for males (6.6 percent). Once a person in the family has this diagnosis, the chance for their siblings or children to have the same diagnosis is increased. In addition, relatives of persons with depression are also at increased risk for bipolar disorder (manic depression).
The chance for manic depression (or bipolar disorder) in males and females in the general population is about 2.6 percent. Once a person in the family has this diagnosis, the chance for their siblings or children to have the same diagnosis is increased. In addition, relatives of persons with manic depression are also at increased risk for depression.
Types of Mood Disorders
The following are the most common types of mood disorders:
- major depression - a two-week period of a depressed or irritable mood or a noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in usual activities, along with other signs of a mood disorder.
- dysthymia (dysthymic disorder) - a chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood for at least one year.
- manic depression (bipolar disorder) - at least one episode of a depressed or irritable mood and at least one period of a manic (persistently elevated) mood
- mood disorder due to a general medical condition - many medical illnesses (including cancer, injuries, infections, and chronic medical illnesses) can trigger symptoms of depression.
- substance induced mood disorder - symptoms of depression that are due to the effects of medication, drug abuse, exposure to toxins, or other forms of treatment.
What Are the Symptoms?
Depending upon age and the type of mood disorder present, a person may exhibit different symptoms of depression. The following are the most common symptoms of a mood disorder. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- persistent feelings of sadness
- feeling hopeless or helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling inadequate
- excessive guilt
- feelings of wanting to die
- loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
- difficulty with relationships
- sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia, hypersomnia)
- changes in appetite or weight
- decreased energy
- difficulty concentrating
- a decrease in the ability to make decisions
- suicidal thoughts or attempts
- frequent physical complaints (i.e., headache, stomach ache, fatigue)
- running away or threats of running away from home
- hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
- irritability, hostility, aggression
In mood disorders, these feelings appear more intense than what a person may normally feel from time to time. It is also of concern if these feelings continue over a period of time, or interfere with an individual's interest in family, friends, community, or work. Any person who expresses thoughts of suicide should be evaluated immediately.
The symptoms of mood disorders may resemble other conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How Are Mood Disorders Diagnosed?
Mood disorders are a real medical disorder. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional usually diagnoses mood disorders following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Treatment for Mood Disorders
Specific treatment for mood disorders will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- type of mood disorder
- procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
Mood disorders can often be effectively treated. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment may include one, or more, of the following:
- antidepressant medications (especially when combined with psychotherapy has shown to be very effective in the treatment of depression)
- psychotherapy (most often cognitive-behavioral and/or interpersonal therapy that is focused on changing the individual's distorted views of themselves and the environment around them, working through difficult relationships, and identifying stressors in the environment and how to avoid them)
- family therapy
Families play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.
Prevention of Mood Disorders
Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of mood disorders are not known at this time. However, early detection and intervention can reduce the severity of symptoms, enhance the individual's normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life experienced by persons with mood disorders.
Sources
The content for About Mood Disorders was provided by the following NNDC sites unless otherwise specified above: