Types of Mood Disorders

A disturbance in the prevailing psychological state of an individual is termed as a mood disorder. It is characterized by a disturbance in a person's emotional state and manifests itself in different forms. Mood disturbances may include depression, mania or a combination of these. Mood disorders are classified as depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Each of the basic types of mood disorders is further classified into different types of depressions. Let us look at each of the various types of mood disorders in detail.

Types of Mood Disorders

Depressive disorder is the best-known form of depressive disorders. A state of depression, which is not coupled with feelings of mania is known as unipolar depression and is also called major depression.

Catatonic depression is a very severe form of depressive disorder that is characterized by disturbed motor abilities. Those suffering from catatonic depression experience loss of motor abilities that results in bizarre body movements. They may also experience periods of total immobility. Patients of catatonic depression are almost stuporous.

Atypical depression is one form of major depression, wherein a person experiences weight gain on account of an increased appetite. People suffering from atypical depression often experience hypersomnia that is excessive sleep and heaviness in their limbs. They are hypersensitive to rejection and hence experience a disturbed social life.

Psychotic depression is characterized by delusions and hallucinations. The delusions often correspond with the contents of the depressing themes. Melancholic depression is characterized by loss of pleasure in the activities of daily life, feelings of guilt and the grief of loss. People suffering from melancholic depression, also experience an excessive loss in their weight.

Recurrent brief depression is different from major depressive disorders in terms of the duration for which it persists. The depressive episodes in patients of recurrent brief depression occur about once a month and last for two or three days. On the other hand, a single episode depression is similar to a major depression and strikes a person in a single dramatic episode.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that manifests itself in the form of alternating periods of depression and mania. Bipolar I is characterized by a history of manic episodes with or without the presence of depressive episodes. Bipolar II is characterized by intermittent episodes of mania and depression. Cyclothymia consists of hypomanic episodes accompanied by milder mood disturbances.

Mood disorders are exhibited in terms of a change in personality and episodes of depression, anxiety and agitation. People suffering from mood disorders show an unusual and sudden change in their personalities and go through periods of depression or anger. They experience continued feelings of irritability and sadness. Some of the mood disorders are characterized by loss of appetite leading to excessive weight loss. Research has shown that people with mood disorders have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Research has made it clear that mood disorders can run in families in the form of certain genetic traits.

Mood disorders need an immediate help. The treatments depend on the physical and mental state of the patients and the external factors influencing their well-being. Mood disorders can be treated by anti-depressant medicines and psychological aid. The family and friends of the patients of mood disorders have an important role to play in helping them cope with depression. However, self-help is the best help.