Mood Disorders

What are Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are one of the most common health issues in the world. Environmental factors combined with a chemical imbalance in the brain are believed to be the major contributing cause of mood disorders. Depression and manic depression (or bipolar disorder) are two of the most common of mood disorders but even the most serious can be effectively treated and patients can lead a normal life once treatment has been successful.

Mood Disorders And Their Symptoms

The symptoms of mood disorders are fairly common regardless of the specific type of disorder. In the case of depression, extended periods of depression is obviously the most pertinent symptom but others include unusual feelings of uselessness, worthlessness and guilt. A loss of interest in hobbies or other interests and deterioration in concentration as well as morbid thoughts of suicide are also common. Bipolar disorder sufferers also show symptoms that might otherwise be contradictory to these. Less sleep and increased energy are not normally associated with depression but they are common in sufferers of some mood disorders.

Diagnosing Depression And Other Mood Disorders

Diagnosis of either of these mood disorders can be difficult. Despite the fact that bipolar disorder is said to be a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain no scientific test has yet been determined. Diagnosis is generally made based on the symptoms and the ruling out of any other potential problem. Stipulations are set on the number of symptoms that must be shown, in most cases 4, and over a certain period of time; at least two weeks.

Successful Treatment Techniques

The treatment of mood disorders will vary depending on several factors. Medication can be prescribed in order to try and combat depression but often the best form of treatment is a combination of psychotherapeutic remedies with prescribed medication. Medication on its own will rarely work for severe forms of bipolar disorder or clinical depression. Clinical depression is depression that is severe enough to warrant treatment.