Mood Disorder

WHAT IS MOOD DISORDER?

Mood disorder is the term given for a group of diagnoses where a disturbance in the person’s emotional mood is the main feature, characterised by mood swings or episodes of abnormal highs or lows of mood. Two groups of mood disorders are broadly recognised: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

The best known and most researched of these is major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar depression. This involves one or more major depressive episodes with no history of any type of manic episodes. The symptoms of major depressive episodes include: altered mood; reduction or loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable; significant change in appetite or weight; changes in sleep patterns; changes in physical or verbal activity; fatigue and loss of energy; diminished self-worth; impaired concentration; and sometimes death thoughts. There are many different types of depressive disorder.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar Disorder is the disorder formerly known as ‘manic depression’ and described by alternating periods of mania and depression. The symptoms of depression are the same as above and the symptoms of mania include: euphoria and elevated ‘high’ feelings or irritability; uncharacteristically elevated self-esteem or unrealistic confidence; decreased need for sleep; rapid talking, talking more than usual or feeling a need to keep talking; ‘flight of ideas’, feeling as though thoughts are racing, distraction or agitation; increased goal-directed activity; intrusive or aggressive behaviour; denial that anything is wrong; and seeking pleasure without regard to consequences, reckless behaviour or poor judgment.

In children and adolescents, manic episodes are more likely to be characterised by irritability and destructive outbursts than by elation or euphoria. Sometimes symptoms of depression may occur during a manic episode resulting in a mixed episode. These may be more frequent in early onset bipolar disorder. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but are less severe or have a shorter duration and often result in increased productivity. There is more than one type of bipolar disorder.

Mood disorders affect people of all ages, races and genders. Once believed to be rare in children, mood disorders, particularly depression, are now known to be common even under the age of twelve. Mood disorders generally affect women more than men.

Suicide is a serious risk involved in mood disorders especially amongst children and adolescents. Individuals may have recurrent thoughts about death and may think about committing suicide, attempt to commit suicide or commit suicide. In severe cases mood episodes can involve psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. For example during manic episodes individuals may believe they are invulnerable to physical harm and during major depressive episodes individuals may believe they are guilty of a great crime or sin. Obsessions and compulsions may also occur.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF A MOOD DISORDER?

The causes of mood disorders are not entirely certain. However a chemical imbalance in the brain seems to play a major role in their development. Mood disorders also appear to be linked to genetics. Individuals who have relatives with a history of a mood disorder have a greater risk of developing one. Many mood disorders are associated with anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses. Some researchers believe that some people inherit a tendency to develop mood disorders, which may then be triggered by environmental factors e.g. stressful life events.

HOW ARE MOOD DISORDERS DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?

Mood disorders are diagnosed by both a physical examination and a mental health evaluation. The mental health evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, including when they began, how long they have lasted and how severe they are. Depressive mood disorders are typically treated with antidepressants whilst bipolar disorders are usually treated with mood stabilising drugs. Patients with mood disorders may also benefit from different types of therapy including psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy.

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