MOOD DISORDERSMental Illness Unit

Mood Disorders

Characterized by emotional states of extreme lows and/or highs that last for long intervals

Becomes a disorder when alters the ability to function

Major Depressive Disorder Definition: severe form of lowered mood in

which a person experiences feelings of worthlessness and diminished pleasure or interest in many activities

Extreme Sadness Inability to function and/or interact with othersTo be diagnosed can not be due to a death of a

loved oneMust last at least 2 weeks but can last for

months (years)

Major Depressive Disorder To be diagnosed a person must have at

least four of the following symptomsTrouble eatingSleepingThinkingConcentrating or decision makingLacking energyThinking about suicideFeeling worthless or guilty

Mania

Definition: mood of an abnormally elevated arousal energy level

Experiences of Elation, Extreme Confusion, Distractibility and Racing Thoughts

Exaggerated sense of self-esteem Engages in Irresponsible Behavior

Bipolar Disorder

Definition: disorder in which an individual alternates between feelings of mania (euphoria) and feelings of depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder Struggle with

depression through the winter and spirits lift with the coming of spring Some people are

reversed and depressed in the summer

Might be caused by the hormone Melatonin

SymptomSleeping and Eat

ExcessivelyLook how emo this guy is!

Suicide Not all who are depressed commit suicide and not

all depressed people try to commit suicide Many reasons:

Possibly to escape physical or emotional pain Terminal illness or old age Torment of unacceptable feelings Punish themselves for wrongs they think they’ve committed Punish others who have not perceived their needs

More women attempt but more men succeed Fourth highest cause of death people 18 to 65

30,000 Americans per year (1 every 20 minutes) Those that threaten are serious

70% of those who threaten do it