Introduction:
A mood disorder is a type of medical condition that significantly affects a person's mood and related functions. This term encompasses a range of conditions, including depressive and bipolar disorders, all of which can have an impact on a person's mood. Individuals with a mood disorder may experience extreme mood swings, from periods of low mood (depression) to periods of extremely high or irritable mood (mania).
Signs and Symptoms:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), divides mood disorders into two categories:
- Bipolar and related disorders
- Depressive disorders.
There are several types of mood disorders that fall under these categories:
- Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, involves periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness accompanied by various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
- Bipolar I disorder was previously referred to as manic depression and is characterized by manic episodes of euphoria or irritability, increased activity, and risk-taking behaviour.
- Bipolar II disorder requires at least one episode of hypomania and one episode of major depression, but no manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder involves numerous episodes resembling hypomania and major depression but does not meet the criteria for either condition.
How are these disorders diagnosed?
- Bipolar and depressive disorder due to a medical condition are diagnosed when the mood disturbance is a direct result of a medical condition such as hypothyroidism.
- Substance and medication-induced bipolar or depressive disorder is diagnosed when symptoms occur due to alcohol, drugs, or medication.
- Other specified or unspecified bipolar and depressive disorders may be used when a person's symptoms do not meet the full criteria for any other specific disorder.
Causes:
- Mood disorders are conditions that affect a person's moods, emotions, and related functions. These disorders can be episodic, meaning they occur occasionally, or they can be chronic, requiring ongoing treatment. Some of the most common mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
- While the exact causes of mood disorders are not fully understood, several factors have been linked to their development. One of the most significant factors is experiencing trauma, such as war, domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse. Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health and can lead to the development of mood disorders.
- Another factor is a brain injury or other traumatic injury or illness. Traumatic injuries can lead to changes in brain function, which can contribute to the development of mood disorders. Substance misuse and excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol can also lead to mood disorders by disrupting normal brain chemistry and function.
- Family history is another significant factor in the development of mood disorders. If a person has a family history of mood disorders, depression, or anxiety, they may be at a higher risk of developing a mood disorder themselves.
- An imbalance of brain chemicals or other brain malfunction can also lead to mood disorders. In particular, imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine have been linked to the development of mood disorders.
- Loneliness or isolation can also contribute to the development of mood disorders. Social support is crucial for maintaining good mental health, and individuals who lack social support may be at a higher risk of developing mood disorders.
- Recent changes in family or work life, such as getting divorced, losing a job, or experiencing a death in the family, can trigger the onset of mood disorders.
These life stressors can be overwhelming, and individuals may struggle to cope with them, leading to the development of mood disorders.
While the exact cause of mood disorders is unknown, several factors have been linked to their development, such as:
- Experiencing trauma
- Brain injury or illness
- Substance misuse
- Family history
- Brain chemical imbalances
- loneliness or isolation
- Recent life stressors
Identifying and addressing these factors can help individuals manage and treat their mood disorders effectively.
Happetive, your mental wellbeing companion, understands the importance of mental health in daily life. We offer Self-Help Tools and self-care resources, with Therapy Support available whenever you need it.