Mood disorders affect a person’s emotional state to the point that its reactions are inconsistent with one’s personal circumstances. The emotions interfere with one’s ability to function normally. This may be demonstrated by sadness, feeling empty and alone, depressed, irritable, and even by periods of unreasonable excessive happiness and elation. Mood is also affected by anxiety disorders.
Types of mood disorders:
Bi-polar disorder:
Which used to be called “manic depression,” characterized by intermittent periods of depression and elation or manic state.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Which demonstrates depression associated with the change of light in the changing seasons, with more depression in the wintertime (in the northern hemisphere), and less or no depression in the summer and times where there is more daylight.
Major Depressive Disorder:
A persistent and prolonged period of depression.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
similar to the mood changes in the Bipolar Disorder but less severe or extreme.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder:
Irritability and mood changes occurring in the premenstrual period for women, and which declines after the completion of the menstrual period.
Persistent Depressive Disorder:
Depression that is persistent over the long term.
Destructive Mood Dysregulation Disorder:
Occurring in children, this presents as severe, chronic, and continued irritability characterized often by frequent outbursts of temper and behavior that is not consistent with the child’s actual age.
Medical Illness Depression:
Resulting from an adverse medical condition, the person demonstrates symptoms of a loss of pleasure and interest in activities of life, depression.
Depression associated with drug abuse or certain medications:
This is depression that accompanies or following treatment for drug abuse. Also, certain medications may have the side effect of contributing to depression.
Mood disorders and their adverse symptoms can be treated by psychological counseling.
When to seek psychological counseling:
If you suspect that you may be suffering from one of these mood disorders, seek assessment and treatment by a professional psychologist when:
- You feel that your fluctuating or persistent emotions are conflicting or having adverse effects on your interpersonal, family, social, educational, or employment activities,
- You are having suicidal thoughts.
- Are experiencing problems with alcohol or drugs
If mood disorder lasts for a period of three to six months or more, then psychological treatment may be called for.
A clinical licensed psychologist can asses the character of your mood problems and suggest approaches to dealing with, coping, and ameliorating them, The important thing is to get treatment symptoms to become more severe.
