Mood Disorders

A mood disorder is a medical disorder characterized by episodes of depression that sometimes alternate with periods of elevated mood. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common one. Other illnesses in the category include:

• Major Depression – It is characterized by a persistent sense of hopelessness and despair, or lack of interest. Most people with MDD experience their first episode in their mid-20s, although younger people are beginning to report depressive symptoms more frequently than in the past. The earlier depression sets in, the more persistent and severe it tends to be in adulthood.
• Dysthymia – Also called dysthymic disorder, this condition is ongoing and less severe form of depression that lasts at least one year.
• Bipolar Disorder – Also called manic depression because person’s mood can alternate between the “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows).
• Substance-induced mood disorder – This disorder is marked by symptoms of depression that are more likely the result of substance abuse, intoxication, the effects of medication, or withdrawal from substance use than of an underlying mental illness.
• Mood disorder related to another medical condition – Cancer, heart disease, injuries, infections Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are a few of the medical issues that can trigger symptoms of depression.

Some of the most common depression disorder symptoms are ongoing feelings of sadness, helplessness, inadequacy and irritability. Other symptoms of mood disorders include:

• Feelings of guilt
• Changes in appetite
• Excessive pessimism
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating
• Aches, pains
• Thoughts of death or suicide (Note: Anyone with this symptom should immediately seek out help at a mood treatment center, hospital or other resource)

The causes of mood disorders aren’t entirely understood, though the prevailing theories are that genetics, a chemical imbalance in the brain or stressful life events (such as divorce, being fired from a job, a death in the family or financial problems) are among the underlying causes. Family members of people with depression are also at heightened risk for bipolar disorder.

When accurately diagnosed and treated, people with mood disorders can live healthy, stable lives. For most individuals, mood disorders can be effectively treated with therapy and medication. Antidepressant and mood-stabilizing medications may be used alone or in combination. Supplemental therapies may include:

• Group psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Psychodrama
• Trauma resolution therapies (such as EMDR)