Information, Symptoms

Demystifying Mood Disorders

Rahat Lookmanji

Common Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are one of the most common classes of mental illnesses. A mood disorder refers to disturbances in a person’s mood. A mood disorder is not the same as being emotional. Everyone becomes emotional at times, especially when an event occurs that can make us feel very happy or very sad. A mood disorder on the other hand is a clinical condition that lasts for a longer period of time. These ‘highs or lows’ in one’s mood are not within the person’s control and can have a detrimental impact on their ability to function. They can also dangerous is not treated as in severe cases, the sufferer may become suicidal.

Research shows that about 10% of people will experience a mood in a given year. Given that mood disorders are extremely prevalent, it is important for us to better understand the signs and symptoms so that we can seek treatment or encourage or support our loved ones to do so.

There are several types of mood disorders, but in this article, we will be looking at 4 of the most common:

Major depression is the most common mood disorder. A person who may be suffering from major depression may experience some of the following symptoms: a persistent low mood or feeling of sadness, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping or waking up, loss of interest in activities that you previously found pleasurable, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts and urges.

Bipolar means two poles. People with major depression experience low mood (unipolar; one pole). However, with bipolar disorder, a person’s moods can swing from extremely low – depressed – to an extremely elevated mood, known as mania. People who may have bipolar disorder may experience some of the symptoms associated with major depression. Additionally, they may experience an inflated sense of self-worth, reckless behaviour, they may be very distractable, have racing thoughts, display increased goal-directed activity, may require less sleep and or begin to (or increase the use of) substances such as alcohol, or drugs.

Dysthymia is said to be a low-grade version of depression. Individuals who are suffering from dysthymia, are able to remain involved in everyday life. However, they may be preoccupied with feelings of guilt or discouragement. They may lack motivation or initiative, have low self-esteem, and make self-deprecating comments. They may also experience crying spells, suicidal thoughts, and a negative outlook about their future. They may also withdraw from social activities, experience changes in their appetite, experience fatigue, find it difficult to concentrate, lose interest in pleasurable activities and find it difficult to perform tasks of daily life.

Physical and mental health is inextricably linked. Symptoms of depression can be triggered if an individual is experiencing health concerns such as cancer, Alzheimer’s etc. Furthermore, if an individual has gone through a trauma that has caused physical damage, such as the inability to walk, they may experience symptoms of depression.

If I Display Symptoms, What Do I Do?

If you believe you or a loved one is suffering from a mood disorder, it is important to seek treatment. There are several options available to treat mood disorders. The Empathy Centre uses various therapy techniques to help in symptom reduction and management. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rational Behavioural therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Gestalt Therapy have been used across the world to help treat mood disorders.

Another treatment option is to consult a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication, such as anti-depressants or mood stabilisers to help in symptoms management.

To learn more about the difference between Therapy and Medication, click HERE.

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health
  2. Our World In Data
  3. The Recovery Village

Published by Rahat Lookmanji

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