Mood (affective) disorders

From ArticleWorld

Mood or affective disorders are usually of two types – major depressive disorders or bipolar disorders. They are characterized by extremes of mood or extreme mood changes to the extent that they interfere with day to day functioning.

There are many different scales of mood disorders; some are temporary or single episode while others are a life-long condition requiring treatment which must not be neglected.

Bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorders are otherwise known as manic depression which is biological in origin. There are millions who are affected by this disorder which usually develops in early adulthood, though it may also affect children and middle to late adults. It may not be diagnosed for many years as the illness it is.

Such disorders are characterized by periods of manic or depressive moods usually followed by periods of relative calm where the individual is symptom-free and it has been that there are usually more periods of depression than mania, or profound euphoria.

Major depressive disorders

A depressive disorder is more than a temporary feeling of sadness that affects most people from time to time. It is a state of melancholy that lasts for two weeks or longer and becomes so severe as to interfere with functioning in daily life. It is estimated to affect about 16% of the population at some point of their lives, and although it has historically affected twice as many women as men, this gender difference is shrinking over time.

The disorder is thought to be chemical in origin where there are changes or imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters but genetics and psychological factors such as low self-esteem also play a part. Treatment is a combination of medicine and psychotherapy.