What are Mood Disorders
Today, we are going to discuess about, what are mood disorders, Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions characterized by significant and persistent disturbances in mood, affecting a person’s emotional state. There are several types of mood disorders, including:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Also known as clinical depression, MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can significantly impair daily functioning and may be accompanied by physical symptoms like changes in sleep patterns and appetite.
Bipolar Disorder
This disorder involves extreme mood swings, cycling between episodes of depression and mania. In the depressive phase, symptoms are similar to those of MDD, while the manic phase is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
This is a chronic form of depression lasting for at least two years, with milder symptoms compared to major depressive disorder. People with dysthymia may experience periods of feeling relatively normal, but the overall mood remains consistently low.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Similar to bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder involves cycling between periods of mild depression and hypomania (a less severe form of mania). However, the symptoms are less intense and don’t meet the criteria for a major depressive or manic episode.
PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD)
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), PMDD involves mood disturbances, such as intense irritability, sadness, or anxiety, in the days leading up to menstruation.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms during specific seasons, typically winter when there is less natural sunlight. It often resolves during the brighter, sunnier months.
Disruptive Mood Deregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, DMDD is characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. The mood between outbursts is persistently irritable or angry.
It’s important to note that mood disorders are complex, and individuals may experience a range of symptoms that vary in intensity and duration. Diagnosis and treatment should be conducted by mental health professionals based on a thorough evaluation of the individual’s symptoms and history.