Mood Disorders

Exploring Mood Disorders People with mood disorders experience… –Mania: frantic “high” with extreme overconfidence and high energy level, many times leading to reckless behavior –Depression: devastating “low” with extreme lack of energy, interest, confidence, and enjoyment of life

Types of Mood Disorders Major Depressive Disorder Dysthymia Other Forms of Depression Bipolar Disorder (Manic- Depressive) –Bipolar I –Bipolar II –Cyclothymia

Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms… –Begin suddenly, many times triggered by crisis, change, or loss –Are extremely severe, interfering with normal functioning –Can be long-term, lasting months or years if left untreated

Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms include –Helplessness –Depressed mood –Loss of interest –Lack of pleasure –Suicidal ideation Diagnosed if symptoms last more than 2 months

Dysthmia Symptoms are similar to major depression, but they seem milder and last longer Relatively long and unchanged periods of dysthmia can last years

Other Forms of Depression Postpartum depression: shortly after birth up to 6 months after birth Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): occurs in extreme climates with days of darkness

Bipolar Disorder An unending emotional roller coaster Effects about 5.7 million Americans over 18 Can be diagnosed in children (mood shifts happen more rapidly)

Bipolar: manic phase Feel extreme joy and pleasure from every activity – continuous high Become very active- planning huge numbers of daily activities Sleep very little without getting tired Develop grandiose plans leading to reckless behavior (buying sprees, foolish investments, love affairs) Become easily irritated and distracted

Bipolar: depressive phase Feel tired all the time Feel worthless, helpless, and hopeless Have trouble concentrating Lose or gain weight without trying Have trouble sleeping, or sleep more than usual Think about death or attempt suicide Lose interest in pleasurable activities

Types of Bipolar Type I: major depression and mild mania Type II: major depression and full mania Cyclothymia: mild depression with mild mania – chronic and long term