Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a category of mental health illnesses that affect a person's emotional state and overall functioning. This type of disorder is characterised by a low or depressed mood that remains persistent and can even be disabling. Other symptoms that may accompany a low mood can include feelings of emptiness, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and the presence of thoughts of death or suicide. Mood disorders can be classified into two groups – unipolar and bipolar affective disorders. Unipolar disorders involve an abnormally persistent and severe depressed mood and are commonly known as depression. A person with this type of disorder experiences a low mood over a prolonged period of time and has difficulty managing activities like work, school, or relationships. Bipolar affective disorders, on the other hand, are characterised by extreme mood swings between elation and severe depression. Several factors can influence the development of mood disorders such as physical and psychological stress, genetic predisposition, traumatic experiences, and the presence of certain medical conditions. Also, brain chemistry abnormalities may play a role in the development of mood disorders. Structural changes in certain areas of the brain, for instance, have been linked with a higher likelihood of developing these conditions. Treatments may involve some combination of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications depending on the severity of the disorder. Psychotherapy is aimed at helping a person identify and change negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviours that can worsen the illness, while medications can help to manage the symptoms that accompany the disorder.