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Mood Disorders
Frequently Asked
Questions and Information
How much of the
population is affected by mood disorders?
Each year, almost 44
million Americans experience a mental disorder. In fact, mental
illnesses are among the most common conditions affecting health
today.
What causes mood
disorders / mental illness?
Researchers believe most
serious mental illnesses are caused by complex imbalances in the
brain's chemical activity. They also believe environmental factors
can play a part in triggering, or cushioning against, the onset of
mental illness.
Are mood disorders
treatable?
Like other diseases,
mental illnesses can be treated. The good news is that most people
who have mental illnesses, even serious ones, can lead productive
lives with proper treatment. Mood disorders are one form of serious
mental illness.
What are some common
mood disorders?
Two of the most common
mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder, also known as
manic-depressive illness.
Bipolar Disorder
Description:
Extreme mood swings punctuated by periods of generally even-keeled
behavior characterize this disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run
in families. This disorder typically begins in the mid-twenties and
continues throughout life. Without treatment, people who have
bipolar disorder often go through devastating life events such as
marital breakups, job loss, substance abuse, and suicide.
Symptoms:
Mania-expansive or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased
need for sleep; increased energy; racing thoughts; feelings of
invulnerability; poor judgment; heightened sex drive; and denial
that anything is wrong. Depression-feelings of hopelessness, guilt,
worthlessness, or melancholy; fatigue; loss of appetite for food or
sex; sleep disturbances, thoughts of death or suicide; and suicide
attempts. Mania and depression may vary in both duration and degree
of intensity.
Formal Diagnosis:
Although scientific evidence indicates bipolar disorder is caused by
chemical imbalances in the brain, no lab test exists to diagnose the
disorder. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by
the person who has it, relatives, friends, or even physicians. The
first step of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation
to rule out any other mental or physical disorders. Anyone who has
this mental illness should be under the care of a psychiatrist
skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Treatment:
Eighty to ninety percent of people who have bipolar disorder can be
treated effectively with medication and psychotherapy. Self-help
groups can offer emotional support and assistance in recognizing
signs of relapse to avert a full-blown episode of bipolar disorder.
The most commonly prescribed medications to treat bipolar disorder
are three mood stabilizers: lithium carbonate, carbamazepine, and
valproate.
Depression
Description:
When a person's feelings of sadness persist beyond a few weeks, he
or she may have depression. According to the National Institute for
Mental Health, three to four million men are affected by depression;
it affects twice as many women. Researchers do not know the exact
mechanisms that trigger depression. Two neurotransmitters-natural
substances that allow brain cells to communicate with one
another-are implicated in depression: serotonin and norepinephrine.
Symptoms:
Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns; feelings of
worthlessness, hopelessness, and inappropriate guilt; loss of
interest or pleasure in formerly important activities; fatigue;
inability to concentrate; overwhelming sadness; disturbed thinking;
physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches; and suicidal
thoughts or behaviors.
Formal Diagnosis:
Four or more of the previous symptoms have been present continually,
or most of the time, for more than 2 weeks. The term clinical
depression merely means the episode of depression is serious enough
to require treatment. Major depression is marked by far more severe
symptoms, such as literally being unable to drag oneself out of bed.
Another form of depression, known as seasonal affective disorder, is
associated with seasonal changes in the amount of available
daylight.
Treatment:
Some types of cognitive/behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy
may be as effective as medications for some people who have
depression. Special bright light helps many people who have seasonal
affective disorder.
Three major types of medication are used to treat depression:
tricyclics; the newer selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). Electroconvulsive
therapy uses small amounts of electricity applied to the scalp to
affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Usually referred to as ECT,
this highly controversial and potentially life-saving technique is
considered only when other therapies have failed, when a person is
seriously medically ill and/or unable to take medication, or when a
person is very likely to commit suicide. Substantial improvements in
the equipment, dosing guidelines and anesthesia have significantly
reduced the possibility of side effects.
For more information
and referrals to specialists and self-help groups in your State,
contact:
Depression and
Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
(formerly the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association)
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60601-3526
Telephone: 800-826-3632
Fax: 312-642-7243
dbsalliance.org
Note: These are
suggested resources. It is not meant to be a complete list.
This information
is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network
Disclaimer:
This site contains information to be used only for the purpose of
support and general education. It should not be used for diagnosis
and/or treatment of any physical or mental conditions. It is owned,
designed
and maintained by a healing survivor in recovery. The author of the
general text is the owner and that general text remains the property of
said owner. Other materials used on the site come from various authors
and will have the author credited and those materials remain the
property of said authors with copyright information included when and
where it is available.
We assume no liability for the contents or effects of this site. Some of
the content may be disturbing. Read at your own risk. If you believe you
are suffering from a physical or mental condition seek help from a qualified professional physician, psychiatrist,
psychologist or therapist; a crisis center; or call 911.
Recommended Online Support Group
for
those who have been diagnosed with DID
and are in treatment for healing with a professional,
and for those professionals who treat those with DID:
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