Mood Disorders

The term Mood Disorder is the general name for illnesses where depression is a significant factor. Because some symptoms of mood disorders are normal reactions to everyday life, usually mood disorders are diagnosed only in those who experience symptoms over an extended period, which may be as short as two weeks or as long as two years. However, in circumstances where the illness interferes with normal day-to-day activities or displays life-threatening behaviors, early diagnosis is crucial to effective treatment.

The different types of mood disorders are broken into two categories, bipolar disorders (manic-depressive disorders) and unipolar disorders (depressive disorders without a manic phase). Each of these two categories is further divided into specific types of illnesses.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar Disorders (manic-depressive disorders) are characterized by cycles of extreme mood swings. A cycle typically begins with the manic state where the individual experiences exaggerated feelings of elation, energy, mental and physical activity. From there, the individual generally plunges into deep depression, although in some cases a period of normalcy precedes the depressive phase of the illness. Normalcy may also follow a cycle of manic-depression. In addition, in some instances the cycle may be reversed with depression preceding the manic phase of the illness.

Bipolar I is the classic type of manic-depressive 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 before or after at least one episode of a milder form of mania, 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 wherein an individual experiences simultaneous episodes of mania and depression.
Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified) is diagnosed when an individual experiences cycles of mania and depression that don’t conform to the criteria for other forms of the mood disorder.

Unipolar Disorders

Unipolar disorders are types of depressive illnesses that don’t include a manic phase. Unipolar disorders are divided into classes of primary and secondary mood disorders. Secondary mood disorders are usually associated with long-term physical illnesses (e.g. hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease), other psychiatric disorders (e.g. Schizophrenia, dementia), or external sources (e.g. substance abuses).

Primary mood disorders are subdivided into separate illnesses including Major Depression, Atypical Depression, Psychotic Depression, and Dysthymia. They differ from bipolar states because they lack the “highs” or manias that bipolar patients experience.

Major Depression (clinical depression) is the most common form of a primary mood disorder. It is the most severe type of depression. Although major depression can be caused by a single traumatic event, it may also evolve over many years. In addition, some individuals develop major depression with no underlying external cause. A single episode may last from six months to a year. Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Atypical Depression is a common sub-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. “Lifting” events may be as simple as dinner with friends or as significant as a wedding.
Psychotic Depression is a severe mood disorder that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions that could be described as “daymares”. Theses hallucinations may be either visual or audio and are similar to the demons that beset schizophrenia patients. Along with hallucinations, the individual experiences the symptoms associated with other types of depression. A contributing factor is that many individuals are aware that they are hallucinating, but unable to escape their delusions. About one-quarter of all people hospitalized with depression suffer from psychotic depression.
Dysthymia is a primary mood disorder that may be life-long. Many individuals who have dysthymia go through life dissatisfied, pessimistic, frightened, and guilt-ridden. They are unaware that there is a “silver lining” to every cloud and live their lives under a perpetual gray sky.

Sadness (normal depression) is a normal response to many life situations such as defeat, disappointment and loss. However, when sadness lasts over a prolonged period, it could signify the onset of a mood disorder. Most mood disorders respond well to treatment through either professional counseling or medication. If you experience a prolonged change in your moods or otherwise suspect you have a mood disorder, seek the guidance of an experienced medical professional.