Mood Disorders

The term Mood Disorder is the general name for illnesses where depression is a significant factor. Mood disorders are  similar to normal reactions to everyday life, except in mood disorders  the symptoms are more drastic and last for extended period, which may be as short as two weeks or as long as two years. A mood disorder is diagnosed when the symptoms interfere with normal day to day functioning or is chronic; early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

The different types of mood disorders are, bipolar disorders, also called manic-depressive disorders and unipolar disorders depressive disorders without a manic phase or rarely seen mania without depression.

Bipolar Disorders are cycles of extreme mood swings. A cycle typically begins with the manic state where the individual experiences exaggerated feelings of happiness, energy, mental and physical activity, also known as highs. From there, the individual generally crashes into  depression, in some cases a period of normalcy between episodes then, usually the depressed mood appears. Normal m periods also follow a cycle of mania. In some instances the person may  cycle with depression preceding the manic phase of the illness.

Bipolar I is the classic type of the disorder and is usually diagnosed when an individual has experienced at least one episode of intense mania followed by a period of severe depression. Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when the patient has experienced a period of depression and at least one episode of a milder form of mania, termed hypomania. Cyclothymic disorder is less severe than bipolar II, and is distinguished by the irregularity in cycles of mania and depression. Mixed bipolar state is a rare type of bipolar disorder when an individual experiences episodes of mania and depression in a short time period or a cycle which has the symptoms of mania and depression together. 

Unipolar disorders are types of depressive illnesses that don’t include a manic phase or a depressive phase.

Unipolar mood disorders are divided into separate illnesses including Major Depression, Atypical Depression, Psychotic Depression, and Dysthymia. They differ from bipolar states because the highs or manias that bipolar patients experience are not present. 

Major Depression is the most common form of a Unipolar mood disorder. It is the most severe type of depression. Although major depression can be caused by a traumatic event, it may also evolve over many years. In addition, some individuals develop major depression with no external cause. A single episode may last from six months to a year.

Atypical Depression is a common type of major depression. While the individual experiences the same depressive symptoms as one with clinical depression, this type of mood disorder is temporarily lifted by positive events.

Psychotic Depression is a severe mood disorder that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. The hallucinations may be either visual or auditory. Along with hallucinations, the individual experiences the symptoms associated with other types of depression. Many individuals are aware that they are hallucinating, but unable to prevent their delusions.

Dysthymia is a primary mood disorder that may be life long. Many individuals who have dysthymia go through life dissatisfied, pessimistic, frightened, and feeling guilty without a reason. They are unaware of the lighter side of life and live with feelings of misery.

Sadness is a normal response to many life situations such as loss of a significant person in their lives or other type of stressor. When the sadness lasts for an abnormal length of time it is time to seek help.  Most people can recover from a mood disorder with treatment with medication or therapy. People with a mood disorder can find relief from the emotional rollercoaster that they find themselves on.