Mood Disorders: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and SAD

About 44 million Americans deal with a mental disorder each year. Mood disorders fall into this category. The two most commonly diagnosed mood disorders are bipolar disorder and depression.

Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of relatively "normal", even behavior, peppered with extreme mood swings. There can be a genetic link with this disorder. People are commonly diagnosed with this disorder in their mid-twenties, and bipolar disorder can be difficult to manage without treatment.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include: mania or irritable mood, little need for sleep, enlarged self esteem, increased energy, racing thoughts, heightened sex drive, poor judgement and denial of any problem. Typical depression symptoms characterize the downside of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder may be caused by chemical imbalance, and a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment for most. Mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed for this condition - lithium carbonate, carbamazepine, and valproate. Anti-depressants, however, probably won't have an effect on this condition. It is now thought that one's body clock may have something to do with the mania side of bipolar disorder.

Depression may be at hand if feelings of sadness do not go away after a few weeks. 3-4 million men may be affected by depression, and the number doubles for women. Levels of serotonin and norepinephrine may cause depression.

Symptoms of depression include feelings of inappropriate guild, hopelessness, worthlessness, and changes in sleeping patterns and appetite. Someone with depression may also lose interest in favorite activities, have inability to concentrate, headaches and stomachaches, or suicidal thoughts.

Diagnosis of depression usually occurs if four or more symptoms have been continually present for over two weeks. Depression is often treated by cognitive or behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Anti-depressants are often prescribed as well: selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or tricyclics.