Mood Disorders
Go to Links

Depression is extremely common affecting up to twenty percent of the population at some point during their life span. It is relatively easily treatable with up to eighty percent of those treated reporting significant improvement. Unfortunately, many people who are depressed do not present themselves for treatment.

Depression and mania are classified as mood disorders. They have also been known as Affective Disorders. They can occur separately or in combination. Depression can range from mild to moderate to severe. It can be brief or long lasting.

Criteria for a Major Depressive Episode include:

1. Depressed Mood such as feeling sad, empty, or tearful.

2. Lack of interest in or deriving pleasure from most activities.

3. Weight loss or gain of over 5% of body weight.

4. Insomnia or hypersomnia.

5. Agitation or psychomotor retardation.

6. Lack of energy.

7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

8. Difficulty in concentration and/or decision making.

9. Thoughts, plans or attempts of suicide or preoccupation with death.

Criteria for a Manic Episode include:

A. Seven days or more of uncharacteristically elevated, irritable, grandiose or expansive mood.

B. Concurrent with A, three or more other symptoms (see below) are present in a significant degree. Four if the mood disturbance is irritable in the absence of significantly elevated, grandiose or expansive mood. Symptoms include:

1. Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.

2. Decreased need for sleep.

3. Excessive talking.

4. Flight of ideas.

5. Distractibility.

6. Psychomotor agitation or increased goal directed activity.

7. Hedonistic and risk taking behavior.

C. The episode is not A Mixed Episode.

D. The episode is severe including danger to ones self or others, psychotic symptoms, or significant deterioration in social, relationship, or vocational spheres.

E. The symptoms are not due to a general medical condition or a substance.

Included in the Mood Disorders are:

• Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by two weeks or more of depressed mood or loss of interest plus at least four additional symptoms.

• Dysthymic Disorder is characterized by two years or more of depressed mood most of the time in addition to additional symptoms of depression but less than the four required to meet the criteria for Major Depressive Episode.

• Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes accompanied by a Major Depressive Episode.

• Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by a Manic Episode.

• Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by two years or more of frequent periods of manic symptoms falling short of the criteria for a Manic Episode and depressive symptoms falling short of the criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.

• Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition is a pronounced and long lasting mood disturbance that is the result of a general medical condition.

• Substance-Induced Mood Disorder is a pronounced and long lasting mood disturbance caused by a drug or toxin.

Mood Disorders Articles

Planet Psych Links:

You May Be Depressed! What Do You Do Now?; Mary Ellen Copeland

Depression; How Therapy Helps; American Psychological Association

Seasonal Affective Disorder; by Daniel Pearson, M.D.

When Parents are Depressed; Richard O'Connor

Gaps Exist in Public's Understanding of Bipolar Disorder

How to Survive the Holidays; by Patty Johnson

World Wide Web Links:

Depression; National Institute of Mental Health

Overview Of Depressive Illness and Its Symptoms; NDMDA

 

[ Home ]     [Therapist Link]     [ Self Help ]    [ Psychology 101 ]      [ Interactive ]     [Bookstore]
Send mail to the [email protected] with questions or comments about this web site.

All information contained in this site is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. No claims are made to offer diagnosis or treatment of any condition. If diagnosis or treatment is desired, we recommend that you consult an appropriate professional.  Check the Therapist Directory to find one near you.

Copyright � 1999-2006 PlanetPsych.com