mood disorders - psychology project

8/12/2019 Mood Disorders - Psychology Project

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NATIONALUNIVERSITY OF ADVANCED

LEGAL STUDIES

MOODDISORDERS

-PSY HOLOGY PROJE T


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Mood Disorders 2 | P a g e

CONTENTS

NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. TYPES OF MOOD DISORDERS 4

3. BIPOLAR DISORDER 5-7

4. ANXIETY DISORDER 8-9

5. AFFECTIVE DISORDER 10-11

6. DYSTHYMIC DISORDER 12-13

7. DEPRESSIVE DISORDER 14-15

7. CONCLUSION 16


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INTRODUCTION

Mood disorders affect about 10% of the population. Everyone experiences highs

and lows in life, but people with mood disorders experience them with greater intensity

and for longer periods of time than most people.1A mood disorder, also referred to as is a

condition impacting mood and related functions. In a mood disorder, moods range from

extremely low (depressed) to extremely high or irritable (manic).2Mood disorders can lead

to changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Some people, especially children, may

havephysical symptoms of depression,like unexplained headaches or stomach aches.

People are more easily demoralized by depression and slower to recover if they are

withdrawn and unreasonably self-critical or irritable, impulsive, and hypersensitive to loss.Most people with major depression also show some signs of anxiety, and 15-30% have panic

attacks.3As a biological mechanism for coping with danger, anxiety creates a need for help

or protection that may give way to despair if it is disappointed. Chronically anxious people

may also medicate themselves with alcohol or drugs that can cause depression.

Mood disorders can increase a person's risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other

diseases. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. With

treatment, most people with mood disorders can lead productive lives. The most common

mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.4 Another mood disorder is seasonal

affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours ofdaylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring. Each of

these mood disorders are dealt with in succinct detail subsequently.

1http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/mood-disorders/>> Last accessed at

19:34 on 23.03.20142http://depression.about.com/od/glossarym/a/mood-disorder.htm>> last accessed at 19:55 on 23.03.2014

3

http://mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disorders

4Also called manic depression.
http://depression.about.com/od/childhood/a/physical-symptoms-of-depression-in-children.htmhttp://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/mood-disorders/http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/mood-disorders/http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/mood-disorders/http://depression.about.com/od/glossarym/a/mood-disorder.htmhttp://depression.about.com/od/glossarym/a/mood-disorder.htmhttp://depression.about.com/od/glossarym/a/mood-disorder.htmhttp://mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disordershttp://mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disordershttp://mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disordershttp://mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disordershttp://depression.about.com/od/glossarym/a/mood-disorder.htmhttp://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/mood-disorders/http://depression.about.com/od/childhood/a/physical-symptoms-of-depression-in-children.htm


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TYPES OF MOOD DISORDERS

As explained earlier mood disorders can be primarily categorised into thefollowing five broad heads:

BIPOLAR DISORDER

ANXIETY DISORDER

AFFECTIVE DISORDER

DYSTHYMIC DISORDER

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER


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BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, andbehaviorfrom the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.

More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days,

weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder

are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.5

During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a job, charge up huge

amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive

episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed, and full of self-loathing and

hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary

widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either

mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes.

Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime.

There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania,

depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique

set of symptoms.

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include6:

1. Feeling hopeless, sad or empty.2. Irritability3. Inability to experience pleasure4. Fatigue or loss of energy5. Physical or mental sluggishness6. Appetite or weight changes7. Sleep problems8. Concentration and memory problems9. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

5

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm

6ibid
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htmhttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htmhttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htmhttp://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm


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CAUSES & TRIGGERS

Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are

genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder, yet not everyone with an inherited vulnerability

develops the illness, indicating that genes are not the only cause. Some brain imaging

studies show physical changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Other research

points to neurotransmitter imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, circadian rhythm

disturbances, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be

involved in the development of bipolar disorder. These external factors are

called triggers. Triggers can set off new episodes of mania or depression or make existing

symptoms worse. However, many bipolar disorder episodes occur without an obvious

trigger.

StressStressful life events can trigger bipolar disorder in someone with a geneticvulnerability. These events tend to involve drastic or sudden changeseither good

or badsuch as getting married, going away to college, losing a loved one, getting

fired, or moving.

Substance Abuse While substance abuse doesnt cause bipolar disorder, it canbring on an episode and worsen the course of the disease. Drugs such as cocaine,

ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can

trigger depression.

Medication Certain medications, most notably antidepressant drugs, can triggermania. Other drugs that can cause mania include over-the-counter cold medicine,appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids, and thyroid medication.

Seasonal Changes Episodes of mania and depression often follow a seasonalpattern. Manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive

episodes more common during the fall, winter, and spring.

Sleep DeprivationLoss of sleepeven as little as skipping a few hours of restcantrigger an episode of mania.

TREATMENT

The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and

counselling. Doctors often treat the mania symptoms associated with bipolar disorder with

one set of drugs, and use other drugs to treat depression. Certain drugs are also used to

maintain a steady mood over time.

I. Bipolar TreatmentsTreatment for bipolar disorder most often includes a combination of a mood-

stabilizing drug and psychotherapy. Although drug treatment is primary,

ongoing psychotherapy is important to help patients better cope with the

condition.
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/understanding-bipolar-disorder-treatmenthttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/understanding-bipolar-disorder-treatment


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II. MedicationsIf you have bipolar disorder, you will probably need medication. In reality,

you may need bipolar medication for the rest of your life.

III. TherapyAlong with medication, ongoing psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, is animportant part of treatment for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you can

discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that cause you problems.

IV. Treating Bipolar ManiaIf you are suffering from mania, your doctor may initially treat you with an

antipsychotic drug, benzodiazepine, and/or lithium to quickly control

hyperactivity, sleeplessness, hostility, and irritability. Your doctor will also

likely prescribe a mood stabilizer.7

7http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatment-care>> Last accessed at 20:40

on 23.03.2014
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/medications-bipolar-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/psychotherapy-bipolar-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatments-bipolar-maniahttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatment-carehttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatment-carehttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatment-carehttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatment-carehttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-treatments-bipolar-maniahttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/psychotherapy-bipolar-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/medications-bipolar-disorder


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ANXIETY DISORDER

There are many types ofanxiety disorders including panic disorder,obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),social anxiety disorder,

specificphobias,andgeneralized anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many

people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or

making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause

such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.

An anxiety disorder is a seriousmental illness. For people with anxiety

disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling.

There are several recognized types of anxiety disorders, including8:

Panic disorder: People with this condition have feelings of terror that strikesuddenly and repeatedly with no warning. Othersymptoms of apanic attack

include sweating,chest pain, palpitations (unusually strong or irregular

heartbeats), and a feeling of choking, which may make the person feel like he or

she is having aheart attack or "going crazy."

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):People with OCD are plagued by constantthoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The

disturbing thoughts are called obsessions, and the rituals are called compulsions.

An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly

washes his or her hands.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):PTSD is a condition that can developfollowing a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault,

the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD

often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event and tendto be emotionally numb.

Social anxiety disorder:Also called social phobia, social anxiety disorder involvesoverwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations.

The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way

that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.

8

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders>> Last accessed at 20:45 on23.04.2014
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/tc/social-anxiety-disorder-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobiashttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67106http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67106http://symptoms.webmd.com/zz-classic-symptomcheckerhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/chest-pain-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-heart-attackshttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67109http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67146http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67146http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/post-traumatic-stress-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67144http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67144http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/post-traumatic-stress-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67146http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67109http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-heart-attackshttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/chest-pain-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/default.htmhttp://symptoms.webmd.com/zz-classic-symptomcheckerhttp://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67106http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobiashttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/tc/social-anxiety-disorder-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorderhttp://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm


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Specific phobias: A specific phobia is an intense fear of a specific object orsituation, such as snakes, heights, or flying. The level of fear is usually

inappropriate to the situation and may cause the person to avoid common,

everyday situations.

Generalized anxiety disorder:This disorder involves excessive, unrealistic worryand tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general

symptoms include:

1. Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness2. Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts3. Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences4. Nightmares5. Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing6. Problems sleeping7. Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet8. Shortness of breath9. Palpitations10. An inability to be still and calm11. Dry mouth12. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet13. Nausea14. Muscle tension15. Dizziness
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67135http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67148http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67148http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67135


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AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Affective disorders are a set of psychiatric diseases. The main types of affectivedisorders are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder etc.

All of the above but one has already been discussed. Symptoms vary by individual, but they

typically affect mood. They can range from mild to severe.

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs

at the same time every year. Mostly, the symptoms start in the fall and may continue into

the winter months, sapping energy and making one feel moody. Less often, seasonal

affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or

early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. However, some

people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either

case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

1. Depression2. Hopelessness3. Anxiety4. Loss of energy5. Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs6. Social withdrawal7. Oversleeping8. Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed9. Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates10. Weight gain11. Difficulty concentrating

TREATMENT

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy

(phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as

simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your

own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.


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I. Light therapy

In light therapy, also called phototherapy, you sit a few feet from a specialized

light therapy box so that you're exposed to bright light. Light therapy mimics

outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.

II. Medications

Some people with seasonal affective disorder benefit from antidepressant

treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. Anti-depressants9 are commonly

used to treat seasonal affective disorder.

III. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is another option to treat seasonal affective disorder. Although

seasonal affective disorder is thought to be related to brain chemistry, yourmood and behaviour also can add to symptoms. Psychotherapy can help you

identify and change negative thoughts and behaviours that may be making you

feel worse. You can also learn healthy ways to cope with seasonal affective

disorder and manage stress.10

9 These include paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

10http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-

20021047>> Last accessed at 21:00 on 23.03.2013
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20021047


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DYSTHYMIC DISORDER

This mood disorder is a less severe form of depression. Although less extreme,dysthymic disorder causes chronic or long-lasting moodiness. With dysthymic disorder, low,

dark moods invade your life nearly every day for two years or more. Dysthymia is contrasted

with a full major depressive episode that lasts two years or longer, which is called chronic

major depression.

Dysthymic disorder can occur alone or along with other psychiatric or mood

disorders. As with depression, dysthymic disorder is more common in women than in men.

A family history of mood disorders is not uncommon. This mood disorder tends to appear

earlier thanmajor depression,although it can begin anytime from childhood to later in life.

Up to 5% of the general population is affected by dysthymic disorder. But its

cause is not well understood. A combination of factors conspires to create this mood

disorder. These factors may include11

:

Genetics Abnormalities in the functioning of brain circuits involve in emotional processing Chronicstress or medical illness Isolation Poor coping strategies and problems adjusting to life stresses

These factors can feed off each other. For example, if you always see "the glass as half

empty," you may reinforce the symptoms of depression. And a chronic mood disorder can

sensitize you to stress, further feeding your risk for depression.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

In addition to chronic low moods, common symptoms of this mood disorder

include:

1. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness2. Trouble sleeping or daytime sleepiness3. Poor appetite or eating too much4. Fatigue or low energy5. Low self-esteem6. Trouble concentrating or making decisions

11http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disorders>> Last accessed at 22:10 on 23.04.2014
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depressionhttp://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mood-disordershttp://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depression


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TREATMENT

A diagnosis of dysthymic disorder in adults requires at least a two-year history

of depressed mood for most of the day on most days, along with at least two of the

symptoms noted above. Although some symptoms may overlap, you may be less likely to

haveweight orsleep changes with dysthymic disorder than with depression. You may also

tend to withdraw more and have stronger feelings of pessimism and inadequacy than with

major depression.

Staying in a constant state of moodiness is no way to live. That's one reason to

seek treatment. Another is that dysthymic disorder can also increase your risk for physical

diseases. If left untreated, this mood disorder can develop into more severe depression. It

can also increase your risk for attemptingsuicide.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/healthy-weight-what-is-a-healthy-weighthttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/healthy-weight-what-is-a-healthy-weight


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DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to lifes struggles, setbacks,and disappointments. Many people use the word depression to explain these kinds of

feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. Some people describe depression

as living in a black hole or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed

people don't feel sad at allthey may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in

particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.

Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it

engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have

fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and

unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

The most commonly spoken and severe type of depressive disorder is Major

Depressive disorder (MDD), also known as unipolar disorder, clinical depression among

others.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating disease that can seriously

affect a person's health, well being, and life. People with major depression experience

extended periods of sadness, emptiness, and despair, and they are often unable to enjoy

activities that they once found pleasurable. MDD can cause problems with a persons diet,

sleep, work life, and ability to connect with others.12

People with MDD are more likely to use alcohol or illegal substances than

others, and are at an increased risk for other mental and physical health problems, and a

much greater risk of suicide.

The exact cause of major depressive disorder is not known, however many

researchers believe it is linked to chemical changes in thebrain,problems with a person's

genes, or a combination of both. It tends to run in families, but can also occur in those with

no family history of the disease. Alcohol anddrug abuse may play a role in MDD, as can

other medical conditions such as an under-active thyroid and certain types of cancer. Otherconditions associated with the disease include sleep problems as well as some types of

medications, including steroids.

12http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depressive-disorder>> Last accessed at 22:30 on

23.03.2014
http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/brainhttp://www.healthline.com/health/drug-abusehttp://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depressive-disorderhttp://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depressive-disorderhttp://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depressive-disorderhttp://www.healthline.com/health/depression/major-depressive-disorderhttp://www.healthline.com/health/drug-abusehttp://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/brain


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CONCLUSION

Although there is no one cause of mood disorders and depression, research clearly

reflects a genetic predisposition to develop a mood disorder. Studies have shown that mooddisorders and depression are common among close relatives, and twin studies have also

shown a strong genetic basis. Additionally, research has shown that people who tend to be

more negative and have low self-esteem are more likely to develop a mood disorder. In

addition to the genetic causes of mood disorders, studies have also shown that

environmental and interpersonal stressors can trigger mood disorders and depression,

especially in those who are already thought to be at risk. Events such as changes in

relationships, academic struggles, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, divorce, and

trauma can trigger a mood disorder. For children and adolescents, poor school

performance, parental divorce, family relocation, and peer difficulties are common triggers

for a mood disorder.

Left untreated, depression may remit on its own in about one year. However, during

the depressive episode other events can occur as a result of the depression, leading to

longer-term difficulties. For this reason, treatment is considered critical even though

symptoms may remit. Further, for some forms of depression, symptoms will not remit and

will last for years. Additionally, other mood disorders do not tend to remit spontaneously

and may last for years without treatment.

mood disorders - psychology project

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