Mood disorders are a type of mental illness that can negatively impact how you feel, think, and act. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are four different types of mood disorders: major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Each type of mood disorder has its own unique set of symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each type of mood disorder and some of the most common symptoms associated with each one.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), more commonly known as depression, is a mental health disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as a lack of interest in activities that the person used to enjoy. MDD is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., affecting over 16 million adults each year.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include loss of interest in activities that the person used to enjoy, changes in appetite or weight, fatigue or decreased energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feeling guilty or worthless, having trouble sleeping or oversleeping, and thoughts of death or suicide. If a person experiences these symptoms for at least two weeks on an almost daily basis without any other explanation then they may be suffering from MDD.
Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic disorder is a less severe form of depression that can last for two years or longer. Common symptoms of the dysthymic disorder include low self-esteem, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite. If you think you might have a dysthymic disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.
Causes of Dysthymia
The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown but there are many factors that could contribute to the onset of this condition including genetics, brain chemistry imbalance, environmental factors (such as traumatic events), and other physical health issues like diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, dysthymia may be linked to certain personality traits such as perfectionism or pessimism. This can make it difficult to identify the underlying cause but research suggests that identifying triggers can help manage symptoms more effectively.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme swings in mood from highs (mania) to lows (depression). During a manic episode, someone with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms such as a decreased need for sleep, poor judgment, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. During a depressive episode, someone with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite. If you think you might have bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional help so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is less daylight. Common symptoms of SAD include sadness, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite. If you think you might have SAD, it’s important to talk to your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.
Mood disorders are a type of mental illness that can negatively impact how you feel think and act. There are four different types of mood disorders: major depressive disorder dysthymic disorder bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Each type has its own unique set of symptoms but some common symptoms across all disorders include changes in mood energy levels and concentration difficulties. If you think you might have a mood disorder it’s important to seek professional help so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.
