What are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are also known as "affective disorders" usually occurring when the mood (affect) of an individual is impaired usually involving extremes of two basically normal moods, happy and sad.  Abnormally low moods are called "depression" and abnormally high moods are called "mania".


There are three main types of depression.  The first (situational) is temporary, usually caused by an event, such as the loss of a loved one, stress, or an illness.  This type of depression typically lasts only a short time and is resolved when the situation returns to normal.  But be aware that this may also turn into clinical depression.  Clinical depression is more enduring and /or recurring and requires treatment.  This type of depression is usually not triggered by external event but if associated with situational factors, the emotional reaction to the event may be exaggerated.  Individuals with clinical depression often withdraw from their usual activities and may become passive and dependent.  In addition, such persons may have difficulty experiencing or expressing pleasure, may become preoccupied with physical health, may frequently report difficulty concentrating or making decisions and thoughts of death are common.  Dysthmia is a low grade, chronic depression.

A person with depression may experience considerable lethargy and fatigue or engage in pacing, wringing their hands, and/ or pulling or rubbing their hair, body, or clothing.  A stooped posture and slow gait can also be a sign of depression.  Sometimes the person who is depressed may speak in a low voice and in a slow or monotonous manner.  In addition, he or she may not talk very much or may pause significantly before responding to questions from others. Sleep difficulties are common as well as problems falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping too much or waking early.  Changes in appetite are also common.  Weight loss or weight gain often accompanies clinical depression.  Sometimes they may report a decrease or increase in their sexual drive.  In extreme cases, a person may exhibit a history of self mutilation.  Individual and group therapy are most commonly used for treating depression.  Antidepressants are used in the treatment of clinical depression and are often effective in stabilizing mood swings.

Some of the symptoms of depression and dementia are similar but be aware that significant differences do exist.  A person who exhibits dementia-like symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated.  With the elderly patient, geriatric care managers routinely assess their clients for depression using a tool known as the "geriatric depression scale".  On another post, we will explore the symptoms of depression which mimic dementia. Stay tuned....