Mood Disorders: Types and Classification

Definition and Classification

• Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in emotional states, which can impact daily life and relationships.
• Classified into two main categories:
  1. Unipolar mood disorders: characterized by depressive symptoms only.
  2. Bipolar mood disorders: characterized by both depressive and manic symptoms.

Unipolar Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
  • Characterized by at least two weeks of low mood or loss of interest in activities.
  • Symptoms: sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD):
  • Characterized by a low mood that lasts for at least two years.
  • Symptoms: similar to MDD, but less severe and longer duration.

Bipolar Mood Disorders

• Bipolar I Disorder:
  • Characterized by at least one manic episode, which can last up to one week.
  • Symptoms: elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior.
• Bipolar II Disorder:
  • Characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
  • Symptoms: similar to Bipolar I, but with shorter and less severe manic episodes.
• Cyclothymic Disorder:
  • Characterized by frequent mood swings between hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
  • Symptoms: similar to Bipolar II, but with shorter and less severe episodes.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition: family history of mood disorders increases risk.
• Brain chemistry: imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Environmental factors: trauma, stress, and social isolation.
• Hormonal changes: thyroid disorders, menopause, and pregnancy.

Treatment and Management

• Pharmacological interventions: antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
• Psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy.
• Lifestyle changes: regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): for severe and treatment-resistant cases.

Mood Disorders

• Characterized by disturbances in emotional states that impact daily life and relationships
• Classified into two main categories: Unipolar and Bipolar mood disorders

Unipolar Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Lasts at least two weeks
  • Symptoms: sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Lasts at least two years
  • Symptoms: similar to MDD, but less severe and longer duration

Bipolar Mood Disorders

• Bipolar I Disorder
  • At least one manic episode, lasting up to one week
  • Symptoms: elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior
• Bipolar II Disorder
  • At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
  • Symptoms: similar to Bipolar I, but with shorter and less severe manic episodes
• Cyclothymic Disorder
  • Frequent mood swings between hypomanic and depressive symptoms
  • Symptoms: similar to Bipolar II, but with shorter and less severe episodes

Causes and Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition: family history increases risk
• Brain chemistry: imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine
• Environmental factors: trauma, stress, and social isolation
• Hormonal changes: thyroid disorders, menopause, and pregnancy

Treatment and Management

• Pharmacological interventions: antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics
• Psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy
• Lifestyle changes: regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): for severe and treatment-resistant cases

Mood Disorders

• Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in emotional regulation, resulting in intense and persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability.

Depression

• A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
• Can be classified into:
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): severe symptoms that interfere with daily life.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): mild symptoms that last for at least 2 years.
  • Postpartum Depression: occurs in women after childbirth.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): occurs during winter months.
• Symptoms:
  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless.
  • Loss of interest in activities.
  • Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
  • Fatigue and loss of energy.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
• Causes:
  • Genetic factors.
  • Brain chemistry imbalances.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Life events (e.g. trauma, loss).

Bipolar Disorder

• A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes.
• Types:
  • Bipolar I Disorder: at least one manic episode and one depressive episode.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: frequent mood swings between hypomania and depression.
• Symptoms:
  • Manic episode:
    • Feeling extremely happy or energetic.
    • Increased activity and restlessness.
    • Decreased need for sleep.
    • Impulsive behavior.
  • Depressive episode:
    • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless.
    • Loss of interest in activities.
    • Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
    • Fatigue and loss of energy.
• Causes:
  • Genetic factors.
  • Brain chemistry imbalances.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Life events (e.g. trauma, stress).

Anxiety

• A mood disorder characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry.
• Types:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): excessive worry about everyday things.
  • Panic Disorder: recurring panic attacks.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: fear of social or performance situations.
  • Phobias: irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
• Symptoms:
  • Feeling anxious or on edge.
  • Restlessness and irritability.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Physical symptoms (e.g. rapid heartbeat, sweating).

Treatment Options

• Medications:
  • Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs, MAOIs).
  • Mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium).
  • Anti-anxiety medications (e.g. benzodiazepines).
• Psychotherapy:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT).
  • Psychodynamic therapy.
• Lifestyle changes:
  • Regular exercise.
  • Healthy diet.
  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Stress management techniques (e.g. meditation, yoga).
• Combination therapy: combining medication and psychotherapy for optimal results.

Mood Disorders

Depression

• Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
• Can affect daily life, relationships, and work performance
• Symptoms include:
  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Types of depression:
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): severe depression that interferes with daily life
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): low-level depression that lasts for two years or more
  • Postpartum Depression: depression that occurs in women after childbirth

Bipolar Disorder

• Characterized by extreme mood swings that range from manic highs to depressive lows
• Can cause significant impairment in daily life and relationships
• Symptoms include:
  • Manic episodes: elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsive behavior
  • Depressive episodes: same as depression symptoms
• Types of bipolar disorder:
  • Bipolar I Disorder: at least one manic episode and one depressive episode
  • Bipolar II Disorder: at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: alternating periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms

Anxiety

• A normal human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear
• Can be a symptom of mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Types of anxiety disorders:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): excessive worry about everyday things
  • Panic Disorder: recurring panic attacks and fear of having another attack
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: fear of social or performance situations
  • Phobias: irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities

Treatment Options

• Medications used to treat mood disorders and anxiety:
  • Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) for depression and anxiety
  • Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium) for bipolar disorder
  • Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., benzodiazepines) for anxiety
• Therapy options:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) for depression
  • Family-focused therapy for bipolar disorder
• Lifestyle changes that can help manage mood disorders and anxiety:
  • Regular exercise and healthy diet
  • Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
  • Social support and self-care activities