Its shocking to note that mood disorders these days are not uncommon. In the United States alone it is estimated that between 15 and 20 million people suffer from depressive disorders. Most symptoms of depression would be characterized as overwhelming sadness and loss of joy and pleasure in daily activities. Depression has been called the "common cold of mental illness," not indicating that symptoms of depression are mild, but because they are widespread.
Bipolar disorder is one of many types of depression that affects many individuals. More recently this disorder has been given more public light. Symptoms of this disorder often include mixed states of mania and depression. Often times during the depression phase of bipolar disorder patients are plagued with thoughts of suicide, while during the manic phase the patient has far more energy than normal. Often times they are very talkative, and experience a huge boost in self-confidence.
It is estimated that bipolar disorder affects about 2.3 million adults in the United States in any given year. A worldwide accounting of bipolar disorder in adults is alot higher. Statistical numbers of mood disorders cannot, however, descibe the pain and suffering that such ones go through.
Depression
Everyone experiences a "case of the blues" from time to time, but most often it only lasts a relativly short time. This would not be considered clinical depression, which is far more serious than a "case of the blues."
What causes clinical depression? While it is not fully understood as to all the causes of clinical depression it is noted that there are many biological and emotional factors that contribute to the development of a severe depressive disorder. It effects more than 19 million American's a year, and it is estimated that approximately 3% to 5% of teenagers suffer from clinical depression every year.
Those suffering from chronic depression often fail to realize the seriousness of their condition. Just how serious is it? It has often been linked to lack of performance, alcohol and drug abuse, severe feelings of worthlessnes and guilt, and in many cases suicide.
Often times having an empathetic friend that will lend a listening ear can bring great relief. However because the biochemical factor that is involved with the disorder it is not often realistic to rely solely on your friends listening ear.
Mood disorders such as clinical depression often have a great impact on family members. However, there are things that family members can do to help those ailing from the condition. Wholehearted support is vital when a loved one is suffering from this disorder. It is often helpful to study up on the condition and become thoroughly familiar with the disorder. This will allow ones to be able to better cope and deal with the sufferer.
Bipolar Disorder
Living with depression can be a great challenge, but the challenge is even greater when it is coupled with mania, a mood swing in bipolar disorder. Family members may often be confused as to the erratic behavior of those suffering from bipolar disorder. States Becky, "Its hard to see my brother switching from a happy person to such a sad person so suddenly. It's very hard on all of the family, we all feel helpless like there is nothing we can do."
Bipolar's effects are not just directed one way. Often times the pain is reflected inwards as well to the sufferer. The patient suffering from bipolar disorder may often be left confused at the lack of stability in their life.
What is the cause of bipolar disorder? Through several studies scientists are trying to uncover the cause of bipolar disorder. While there is no known single cause of bipolar disorder it is know that genetics plays a big part in the cause. Family members that are directly related to ones who suffer from bipolar depression have a greater chance of developing the bipolar or major depression in your lifetime.
Bipolar disorder knows no gender, and has an equal opportunity of affecting both sexes. Most often the disorder starts developing in young adulthood, however cases studies have shown development of the disorder in younger age groups. Since the symptoms are so wide in their range it is often hard to detect, especially when intervals between mania and depression can last years.
While living with depression or bipolar depression may be hard, and equally as hard to diagnose there is hope for those that suffer from them.
There are several different types of mood disorders.
Major Depression-This type of depression consists of at least a 2 week time period in which the individual is depressed or in what may be described as an irritable mood. There may be a noticeable decrease in pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities. Dysthymia-This type of mood disorder involves a low-grade, although chronic irritable or depressed state that exists for at least one year.
Manic depression-Also known as bipolar disorder. This mood disorder consists of at least one episode involving an irritable or depressed mood along with one time period of a persistently elevated mood, also known as manic.
Some mood disorders can be related to a general medical condition, such as injuries, chronic medical illness, etc. All of these can result in symptoms of depression. Mood disorders can also be induced by substances such as drug abuse, medication, etc.
Mood and anxiety disorders can share several symptoms so it is very important to not attempt self-diagnosis. Common symptoms related to mood disorders include:
difficulty with relationships sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia, hypersomnia) changes in appetite or weight decreased energy difficulty concentrating a decrease in the ability to make decisions suicidal thoughts or attempts persistent feelings of sadness feeling hopeless or helpless having low self-esteem feeling inadequate excessive guilt feelings of wanting to die loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed frequent physical complaints (i.e., headache, stomach ache, fatigue) running away or threats of running away from home hypersensitivity to failure or rejection irritability, hostility, aggression
It should be noted that symptoms of mood disorders can vary from one individual to the next.
Anxiety mood disorders can appear to be similar to the disorders described above; however, they are different. Types of anxiety disorders include:
Phobia-There are actually two major types of phobias; specific phobia and social phobia. With social phobia an individual may have an intense fear of social situations while in specific phobias the individual may have an extreme and often disabling fear of something specific.
Generalized anxiety disorder-With this type of disorder that is a constant stream of tension and worrisome thoughts.
Panic disorder-This type of disorder includes repeated episodes of fear that frequently strike with no apparent warning.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder-includes compulsive and repeated behaviors that the individual does not seem to be able to control or stop
Post-traumatic stress disorder-includes a pattern of flashbacks that occur with individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events or violence.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders also tend to vary from one individual to the next and can also vary from one episode to another.
• Fatigue • Trembling • Headache • Nausea • Muscle tension • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Dizziness • Heart palpitations • Abdominal pains • Fear of dying • Feelings of unreality
If you think you may suffer from anxiety mood disorders, be aware there are effective and natural methods that can bring about relief.
Both Jason Miller & Abel Craig are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jason Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Computers and The Internet and Depression. For further information and articles on depression and other mental health disorders please visit . Jason Miller's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.