Definition:
Mood disorders can include several symptoms, but the overriding complaint is a disturbance of mood. The disturbance of mood can be feelings of depression or mania. Diagnoses that fall into this category include Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder (formally known as Manic Depression), Dysthymia, Cyclothymia, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Depressive symptoms vary, but include:
- Depressed mood for significant periods of time
- Feelings of hopeless/helplessness
- Sleep disruption or excessive sleeping
- Decreased appetite or overeating
- Diminished pleasure
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Impaired concentration
- Poor motivation
- Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Manic symptoms include:
- Manic behavior lasting for a significant period of time
- Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased talking and/or pressured speech
- Flight of ideas and/or racing thoughts
- Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities without regard for possible negative consequences. This may include sexual behavior, shopping sprees, or financial investments.
- Distractibility
- Increase in goal directed activity or psychomotor agitation
Anxiety, psychosis, or substance abuse can also be present in a mood disorder but the overriding clinical presentation is that of a disturbance of mood. In addition, mood disturbances can result from medical conditions, substance abuse, or other mental health issues, but this would most likely not fulfill the requirements of a diagnosis of a mood disorder.
Only the treating mental provider should diagnose a mental disorder. If some of the symptoms seem familiar, it is important to bring them to your provider's attention to ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
