Table of contents:

1. Mood disorders: bipolar affective disorder
2. Mood disorders: cyclothymia
3. Mood disorders: dysthymia
4. Mood disorders: other entities
5. Mood disorders: treatment

Mood disorders are one of the problems that psychiatrists encounter most frequently - it is estimated that up to 20% of the population worldwide may be struggling with them altogether. However, this does not mean that one in five people suffers from depression - mood disorders include far more individuals.

Mood disorders: bipolar disorder

Next to depression, it is bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) that is the most well-known of all mood disorders. Characteristic of this entity is that one patient experiences episodes of depressed mood (depressive episodes) and episodes of elevated mood (hypo- or manic episodes). The course of the disorder varies from patient to patient, with depressive episodes predominating in some patients and manic episodes in others, and the duration and length of remission periods varying. It is quite common for a patient who actually has BPAD to be diagnosed with depression first - this is usually the case when the first manifestation of the mood disorder is a depressive episode. In such cases, the incorrect diagnosis usually comes to light quickly - when a patient with bipolar affective disorder starts taking antidepressants in monotherapy, this can result in a hypomanic or manic episode quite quickly.

Mood disorders: cyclothymia

Essentially, cyclothymia is a mood disorder very similar to bipolar disorder, in that patients also experience episodes of depressed and elevated mood. It is notable, however, that the symptoms associated with cyclothymia are not of such severity that BPAD can be unequivocally diagnosed. The diagnostic criteria for cyclothymia also make it clear that this entity can only be diagnosed if the symptoms persist in the patient for a minimum of two years.

Mood disorders: dysthymia

Dysthymia is sometimes referred to as a persistent mood dis order. Similar to depressive disorders, patients experience lowered mood, sleep disturbances, a constant feeling of fatigue or changes in appetite and lowered self-esteem. However, the symptoms of dysthymia are less severe than those of depression, and, as with cyclothymia, persistence over a minimum of two years is required for a diagnosis of this type of mood dis order.

Mood disorders, photo: panthermedia

Mood disorders: other entities

From time to time, new editions of medical diagnostic classifications - ICD or DS - are issued, which distinguish previously undescribed mood disorders. One such entity is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The symptoms of this disorder appear about a week before menstruation and may include mood swings, irritability, feelings of anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Characteristic of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is that its symptoms pass with the onset of menstrual bleeding.

Depressive behavioural disorder is another problem that has also been distinguished for a relatively short time. This entity can be diagnosed in patients up to the age of 18, who present with symptoms such as significant irritability, excessive impulsivity and a tendency to display uncontrolled, age-inappropriate behaviour (such as self-harm).

Other entities that can also be included in the group of mood disorders are also seasonal affective disorders or depressive disorders as a consequence of some other illnesses and the use or withdrawal of psychoactive substances. It is worth mentioning here that depression itself has more than one name: there are different forms of it, such as postnatal depression or psychotic depression.

Mood disorders: treatment

There are two main approaches to treating mood disorders: psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Usually, the best results are achieved when the patient is able to benefit from both interventions mentioned above simultaneously. However, it is always most important to make a correct diagnosis of the patient, as only then can the appropriate treatment be offered. Various medications are used for mood dis orders - antidepressants (e.g. serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are recommended for patients with depressive disorders , while mood stabilisers (e.g. lithium salts) are offered as first-line treatment for patients with bipolar disorder .

Pharmacotherapy can be of great help to people with mood disorders - systematic use of medication can lead to an evening of mood, improvement in drive and elimination of sleep disturbances. However, some problems are not influenced by medication alone - pharmacotherapy is unlikely to improve self-esteem or eliminate the feelings of rejection that many patients with mental disorders experience. It is for this reason, among others, that patients are advised to undertake psychotherapy in addition to pharmacotherapy.