The Various Types of Mood Disorders

The Various Types of Mood Disorders Depression Types Print The Various Types of Mood Disorders By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Jeff J Mitchell / Staff / Getty Images More in Depression Types Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment View All Back To Top A mood disorder,  also referred to as an affective disorder, is a condition that severely impacts your mood and its related functions. Mood disorder is a broad term thats used to include all the different types of depression and bipolar disorder, both of which affect your mood. If you have symptoms of a mood disorder, your moods may range from extremely low (depressed) to extremely high or irritable (manic). Types of Mood Disorders With the most recent update of the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) in 2013, mood disorders are now separated into bipolar disorder and depressive disorders. In general, the main types of mood disorders include: Major depressive disorder: This is what we often hear referred to as major depression or clinical depression. It involves long periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and/or fatigue that last for two weeks or more.Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This type of depression typically strikes during the short days of the year when the sun isnt out as long.Bipolar I disorder: Also referred to in the past as manic depression,  if you have mania, you experience euphoric and/or irritable moods  and increased energy or activity. During manic episodes, you also regularly engage yourself in activities that can very result in painful consequences for you and/or someone else.Bipolar II disorder: For diagnosis, you must have had  at least one episode of current or past hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania, and at least one episode of current or past  major depression, but no history of any manic episodes. The criteria for episodes of mania,  hypomania, and major depression remain the same.Cyclothymic disorders: Diagnosis requires  a  two-year history minimum of many episodes of not-quite hypomania and not-quite major depression. Its a less extreme form of bipolar disorder.Other: This additional category includes depression or bipolar disorder thats caused by medications, drugs, substances, or a medical condition or illness. For instance, chronic illness or cancer can lead to depression, as can an alcohol use disorder or exposure to certain drugs or toxins. New Mood Disorders There are three new depressive disorders included in the  DSM-V, including: Disruptive mood dysregulation  disorder: This depressive disorder  was added to the  DSM-V  for children  up to 18 years of age who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme behavioral dyscontrol, which is a pattern of abnormal, episodic, and frequently violent and uncontrollable social behavior without any significant provocation.Persistent depressive disorder: This  diagnosis is meant to include both chronic major depressive disorder that has lasted for two or more years and what was previously known as dysthymic disorder or dysthymia, a low-grade form of depression.Premenstrual  dysphoric disorder:  This diagnosis is  based on the presence of specific symptoms in the week before the onset of menstruation, followed by the resolution  of these symptoms after onset. The symptoms must  include one or more of the following: mood swings, irritability  or anger, depressed mood or hopelessness,  and anxiety or tension, as well as one or more of an  additional seven symptoms, with a total of at least  five symptoms. Symptoms Mood disorders can lead to difficulty in keeping up with the daily tasks and demands of life. Some people, especially children, may have physical symptoms of depression, like unexplained headaches or stomachaches. Because there are various types of mood disorders, they can have very different effects on your lifestyle. In general, symptoms may include: Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyedEating more or less than usualDifficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usualFatigueCryingAnxietyFeeling flat, like you just dont have the energy to careFeeling isolated, sad, hopeless, and worthlessDifficulty concentratingProblems making decisionsFeelings of guiltIrritabilityThoughts of dying and/or suicide With mood disorders, these symptoms are ongoing and eventually start to affect your daily life in a negative way. Theyre not the sporadic thoughts and feelings that everyone has on occasion. Causes No one knows the exact causes of mood disorders, but a variety of factors seem to contribute to them and they tend to run in families. Chemical imbalances in your brain are the most likely cause. Stressful life events like death, divorce, or trauma can also trigger depression, especially if youve already had it before or theres a genetic component. Diagnosis Mood disorders should be properly evaluated and treated by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist. If you have experienced any of the symptoms above for more than two weeks and theyre interfering with your life, especially if youre having suicidal thoughts, you should seek help immediately. Your doctor will be able to diagnose you by performing a physical exam to rule out any physical reasons for your symptoms, as well as a psychiatric evaluation. Treatment Millions of people experience mood disorders and are successfully treated, helping them live a better quality of life. Treatments for mood disorders can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, as well as medications to help regulate the chemical imbalances in your brain. A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the best course of action to get you on the road to feeling better. Find Help With these Online Therapy Programs