Two of the most common mood disorders are bipolar disorder and major depression.
Mood Disorders
Two of the most common mood disorders are bipolar disorder and major depression.
Bipolar disorder
Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental illness involving episodes of extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). In most cases, the person's mood swings from excessively high or euphoric and/or irritable to sad and hopeless and then back again with periods of normal mood in between.
Sometimes, however, a person experiences both states at the same time (mixed episodes). At least 2 million Americans have bipolar disorder, which is considered one of the most treatable mental illnesses.
Mania can last up to four months if untreated. The symptoms of mania include:
- increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking;
- denial that anything is wrong, excessive high or euphoric feelings;
- extreme irritability and distraction;
- decreased need for sleep;
- unrealistic beliefs in one's ability and powers;
- uncharacteristically poor judgment;
- unusual sexual drive;
- abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleep medications; and
- provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior.
- persistent sadness, anxiety or emptiness;
- feelings of hopelessness or pessimism;
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness;
- loss of interest or pleasure in usually enjoyed activities, including sex;
- decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being slowed down;
- difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions;
- restlessness or irritability;
- sleep disturbances;
- loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain;
- chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by a physical disease; and
- thoughts of and attempts at suicide.
Major (or Clinical) Depression
Clinical depression is a common and very treatable mental illness that causes people to feel "down" for more than a few weeks or makes it difficult for them to function in daily life. It can cause people to lose pleasure in daily life, cause complications in other medical conditions and lead to suicide. While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression is not a normal part of aging, having a chronic illness, childbirth or other major life changes. More than 17 million American suffer from clinical depression.
Not everyone experiences clinical depression in the same way. Different people have different symptoms. Symptoms of clinical depression include:
- a persistent sad, anxious or empty mood;
- sleeping too little or too much;
- reduced appetite and weight loss, or increase appetite and weight gain;
- loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed;
- restlessness or irritability (in children or adolescents this may be perceived as "acting out");
- persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain or constipation and digestive disorders);
- difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions;
- fatigue or loss of energy;
- feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless; and
- thoughts of death or suicide.
For more information on this illness and the other services of Information and Referral, visit Information and Referral Resources.
