Mood Disorders

A mood disorder is a type of mental health challenge characterized by significant disturbances in a person’s emotional state.

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash / Girl looking out a window

Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a category of mental health conditions characterized by significant disruptions in a person’s mood and emotional state. These disorders can involve persistent feelings of sadness, elevated moods, or fluctuations between the two. Here are some examples of mood disorders:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): One of the most common mood disorders. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Example: Sarah has been experiencing overwhelming sadness for several months. She has lost interest in her hobbies, struggles to get out of bed in the morning, and has thoughts of worthlessness and self-harm.

2. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania (or hypomania). During depressive episodes, individuals experience symptoms similar to major depressive disorder. Manic episodes, on the other hand, are characterized…