An Overview of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental illnesses in which the sufferer experiences moods which are unusual for the circumstances in which they find themselves. Among the most common mood disorders are depression, bipolar disease, (also known as manic-depression), seasonal affective disorder, (SAD), cyclothymia, and postpartum depression.

Mood disorders are the most common mental illnesses among adults. It is believed they affect about 8 to 10 % of the population at any one time. They cause a significant impediment to one's ability to function socially, at work, or in any aspect of life.

Scientists believe they are caused by an imbalance of chemicals within the brain, and also by environmental influences. Recent studies indicate there may also be hereditary factors involved.

Brief overviews of the most common mood disorders follow.

DEPRESSION

People suffering from depression (sometimes called unipolar depression) lose interest in their normal activities. They feel sad, worthless, discouraged, hopeless and are constantly fatigued despite lack of activity. They experience change in appetite, disturbed sleep patterns and have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. They experience thoughts of death and should be monitored for suicide attempts.

Treatment consists of medication and sometimes psychotherapy. Without treatment, depression may last for months or even years.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

This disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, interspersed with periods of normal behavior. An individual with this illness alternates between states of deep depression and extreme elation.

During the manic phase, he will be hyperactive, excessively elated, optimistic, require little sleep, exhibit poor judgement, impulsiveness, and may rapidly fly into fierce rages over minor irritations.

This disorder can be effectively treated with medication and therapy in 80 to 90 % of all cases.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

The symptoms are similar to those of major depression, but they occur during late Autumn, Winter and early Spring when the hours of sunlight are few.

Treatments include exposure to as much sunlight as possible by sitting in a sunny window, or under a skylight, walking outdoors during daylight hours, or taking a winter vacation to
a tropical destination. It can also be treated with light therapy using a full-spectrum light box, and medication, prescribed by a physician.

CYCLOTHYMIA

This is a mild form of bipolar disease. The patient experiences short periods of emotional highs and lows interspersed with periods during which his moods are stable. The patient can still function at work and in social situations, although not as efficiently as usual.