Mood disorders (types of depression) are common. Everyone is sad
at times, but sadness is not the same as clinical depression. 9.5%
of U.S. adults experience some type of mood disorder in any given
year, and 45% of these cases are classified as severe, according to
the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Women are 50% more
likely than men to experience a mood disorder over their lifetime.
Mood disorders (also called affective disorders) have different
causes, vary in severity, and respond differently to different
treatments. Regardless of the origin of the depression, symptoms of
depression include: •Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
•Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism •Feelings of guilt,
worthlessness, or helplessness •Irritability, restlessness •Loss of
interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
•Fatigue and decreased energy •Difficulty concentrating,
remembering details, and making decisions •Insomnia, early-morning
wakefulness, or excessive sleeping •Overeating, or appetite loss
•Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts •Aches or pains, headaches,
cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
The following are the most common types of mood disorders: •Major
depression: A two-week period of a depressed or irritable mood or a
noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in usual activities,
along with other signs of a mood disorder. •Dysthymia (dysthymic
disorder): A chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood for at
least one year. •Bipolar disorder (manic-depression: At least one
episode of a depressed or irritable mood and at least one period of
a manic (persistently elevated) mood. •Mood disorder due to a
general medical condition: Many medical illnesses (including
cancer, injuries, infections, and chronic medical illnesses) can
trigger symptoms of depression. •Substance induced mood disorder:
Symptoms of depression that are due to the effects of medication,
drug abuse, exposure to toxins, or other forms of treatment.
•Seasonal Affective Disorder: (SAD) is a kind of depression that
occurs during months that have the fewest hours of sunshine. It is
often treated with “light therapy” using a special lamp with a very
bright light (10,000 lux) that mimics light from the sun.
•Postpartum depression: Unlike the “baby blues,” postpartum
depression does not go away quickly. It’s a serious condition, but
treatment is very effective.

Have you experienced any of the mood disorders yourself or
witnessed them in anyone else? What are your observations and
questions about this class of disorders?