A mood disorder is a type of mental health disease characterized by a disconnection between an individual’s actual life circumstances and their emotional or mental state. Emotional dysregulation, characterized by extreme lows or highs (such as hypomania or mania or depression), is a hallmark of mood disorders.
Mood disorders often start in adolescence, although they can strike anyone at any age, even as adults. Mood problems impact 15% of children and teenagers. Compared to men, mood problems are more common among women. Mood disorders, especially depressive disorders, are more common in those with long-term medical illnesses.
Types of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are classified into two groups: bipolar spectrum disorders and depressive disorders. Among the depressive disorders are:
Major depressive disorder
Referred to as clinical depression, is characterized by a person’s ongoing sadness, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns, hopelessness or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and/or other symptoms for at least two weeks.
Persistent depressive disorder
A person with mild to moderate depressive symptoms on most days for two years (or one year for children or adolescents) is said to have persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia. These symptoms are less severe than those of major depressive disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
It is a condition in which an individual has symptoms of major depressive illness in the winter, when
the days are shorter and darker.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
A teenager or kid exhibits higher levels of anger and irritability than is typical for their situation.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
It is a condition in which a woman experiences depressive symptoms one week prior to her
menstrual cycle, which then disappears as soon as the cycle begins.
Postpartum depression
It is the term for depressive symptoms that appear in a new mother in the four weeks following childbirth.
In addition to depressive episodes, bipolar spectrum illnesses can also involve one or more manic or hypomanic episodes.
Mania
Mania is characterized by euphoric feelings that last for at least a week, along with excessive energy, a lack of desire to sleep, impatience, distractibility, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as taking risks.
Hypomania
A less severe form of mania known as hypomania has lesser symptoms that might persist for at least four days.
Bipolar disorders have been classified into various kinds based on the pattern of manic and hypomanic episodes intermingled with depressive episodes:(1,2)
Bipolar disorder I
It is characterized by at least one manic episode and some severe depression disorder symptoms.
Bipolar disorder II
Major depressive disorder episodes and at least one hypomanic episode are hallmarks of bipolar disorder II.
Cyclothymia
It is a bipolar disorder-like condition with milder symptoms that lasts for roughly two years.
What causes mood disorders
The amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex are the brain regions in charge of regulating our emotions and feelings. Brain imaging studies of patients with mood disorders have revealed an enlarged amygdala, supporting the theory that anomalies in these regions cause mood disorders. Recurrent episodes of mental disorders lead to ventricular enlargement.
Biological Factors
Serotonin and norepinephrine, which are reduced during depressive episodes, are neurotransmitters that are involved in mood disorders. Among neurotransmitters, serotonin is most frequently linked to depression. Dopamine has also been linked to mood disorders; studies suggest that it may be elevated
in mania and lowered in depression.
Mood problems can result from the following medical conditions:
- Hypothyroidism
- Brain tumours
- CNS syphilis
- Delirium
- Encephalitis
- Influenza
- Metabolic changes associated with haemodialysis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Q fever
- Cancer
- AIDS
Genetic Factors
Research on adoption and families has also suggested that mental disorders are inherited. An increased risk of developing mood disorders in oneself is seen in those with a significant positive family history of mood disorders. A major and ongoing risk factor for children to also experience mood disorders is the presence of a parental mood disorder.(2)
Hormonal Factors
Stress and depression increases HPA activity(3). Depression has been linked to elevated TSH levels.
Psychosocial Factors
Stressful life events (such as the death of a parent, sibling, or significant other), traumatic experiences, and abuse during childhood(4) have all been linked to a higher likelihood of developing mood disorders later in life, particularly depressive disorders.
Neuroimmunological Factors
Studies reveal that changes in mood disorders also affect the release of neuroactive cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta.(5)
Symptoms
A person may have varied symptoms of depression depending on their age and the sort of mood illness they have. The majority of symptoms associated with a mood disease are as follows:(6)
- Continually depressed, anxious, or “empty”
- Being powerless or devoid of hope
- Having a poor sense of oneself
- Feeling unworthy or insufficient
- Overindulgence in guilt
- Not interested in typical activities or things that one used to like, like having sex
- Relationship issues
- Having difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Alterations in weight or appetite
- Diminished vitality
- Difficulty concentrating
- Less capable of choosing
- Frequent physical symptoms (such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach aches) that don’t improve after therapy
- Threatening or really leaving your house to go away
- Incredibly vulnerable to rejection or failure
- Aggression, hatred, or irritability
- Suicidal thoughts, plans for death, or a desire to die on a regular basis (Individuals experiencing this symptom should get treatment immediately!)
These emotions are stronger than what a person would occasionally experience without a mood condition. If these emotions persist over time, there is another cause for concern, or if they get in the way of someone’s passion for their job, friends, family, or community.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your regular doctor isn’t available right away, visit a respectable mental health centre in your area. Do not postpone it.
Diagnosis
A blood test to check thyroid hormone levels or a sleep study to check for irregularities or insomnia are just two examples of the tests that doctors may recommend to check for illnesses that could produce comparable symptoms.
To check for structural or functional anomalies, doctors may also prescribe a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain.
Prerequisites
Mood disorders are serious. A thorough medical history and psychiatric evaluation are prerequisites for the diagnosis of mood disorders by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed clinical social worker.
Management
Treatments for mood disorders are often successful. Possible course of treatment include:(7)
Antidepressants and mood-stabilizing medicines
These medications are highly effective in treating mood disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy (usually in the form of interpersonal or cognitive-behavioural treatment):
The goal of this type of therapy is to alter the patient’s skewed perception of both their surroundings and themselves. It also aids in enhancing interpersonal abilities. Additionally, it can assist in identifying environmental stresses and teaching the client how to avoid or cope with them.
Family therapy
A mood disorder can have an impact on a family’s emotional, physical, financial, and professional facets. Family members and the individual with the condition can both benefit from professional support.
Alternative treatments
When treating refractory depression (depression that is resistant to treatment), they may involve electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial stimulation
Families are an essential source of support for any kind of treatment.
A person with a mood disorder may experience periods of stability followed by recurrence of symptoms. Continuous, long-term care can assist the patient maintain their health and manage their symptoms.
Mood problems can be effectively recognized and treated to allow for stable, productive, and healthy lifestyles.
Key Points about Mood Disorders
1. Mood disorders are a category of severe mental conditions. The phrase refers to bipolar illnesses and depression in general.
2. Mood problems can affect adults, teenagers, and children.
3. Mood disorders are most likely result from a chemical imbalance in the brain.
4. Most persons who suffer from a mood disorder experience persistent sadness. Perhaps they feel hopeless and powerless.
5. Symptoms may last for weeks, months, or even years without treatment. They may have an impact on life quality.
6. Medications, family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, or a mix of medication and therapy are the most common treatments for mood disorders.
7.Comprehensive, long-term follow-up care will help guarantee the assistance required for a fulfilling, productive life.
8. Medications, family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, or a mix of medication and therapy are the most common treatments for mood disorders.
9. Comprehensive, long-term follow-up care will help guarantee the assistance required for a fulfilling, productive life.
Reference
- Kloiber S, Rosenblat JD, Husain MI, Ortiz A, Berk M, Quevedo J, Vieta E, Maes M, Birmaher B, Soares JC, Carvalho AF. Neurodevelopmental pathways in bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020 May;112:213-226. [PubMed]
- Mood Disorders. (2023, July 7). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/mood-disorders
- Palma-Gudiel H, Córdova-Palomera A, Navarro V, Fañanás L. Twin study designs as a tool to identify new candidate genes for depression: A systematic review of DNA methylation studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020 May;112:345-352. [PubMed]
- Juruena MF, Eror F, Cleare AJ, Young AH. The Role of Early Life Stress in HPA Axis and Anxiety. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:141-153. [PubMed]
- Kolaitis G. [Mood disorders in childhood and adolescence: continuities and discontinuities to adulthood]. Psychiatriki. 2012 Jun;23 Suppl 1:94-100. [PubMed]
- Bhattacharya A, Derecki NC, Lovenberg TW, Drevets WC. Role of neuro-immunological factors in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016 May;233(9):1623-36. [PubMed]
- Mood Disorders. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mood-disorders
Author Bio
Priyanka Pandey
Priyanka Pandey is a Physiotherapist with a passion for writing. Holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and MA in Sociology, she brings particularly a unique perspective to healthcare and social issues. With a keen interest in research and writing, Priyanka crafts informative and engaging content that explores the intersection of Health, Society and Human Experience.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
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