Depression And Mood Disorders

1. Bipolar Disorder
2. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
3. Seasonal Affective Disorder
4. Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
5. Depression

Mood disorders have been found to have a strong genetic and biological component. However, they are likely caused by many different factors that work interchangeably together in addition to genetics, such as their environment, life experiences, personality, and other health problems.

1.What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by intensive mood and energy fluctuations resulting in manic, hypomanic, and severe depressive episodes.  Drastic mood swings can be dangerous, and a person can experience racing thoughts that result in poor judgment and risky behaviour.

Symptoms connected to Bipolar Disorder:

During a manic episode, the individual may experience:

• Elevated good mood and levels of high energy
• Euphoria
• Racing thoughts and restlessness
• Engage in erratic, risky behavior
• Become overly talkative or irritable
• Lose a desire for sleep
• Inability to concentrate

During a depressive episode, the individual may experience:

• feeling extremely low, sad
• feelings of worthlessness, guilt
• changes in sleep patterns
• lack energy and interest
• may have thoughts of death and suicide
• Catatonic behavior (does not react to environmental stimuli, not speaking)

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

1. Bipolar 1 Disorder (manic)
2. Bipolar 2 Disorder (hypomanic and depressive)
3. Cyclothymia Disorder (a milder form with hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years)

2.What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental illness that affects a person’s mood. Much more than having a bad day, a person with depression can suffer for a long time without treatment and support. It’s a common and serious medical illness that affects you from how you feel, think, and act. Things you used to enjoy, you no longer do and things that are good for you no longer take priority.

Symptoms of Depression

• Regular sad mood
• Limited or diminished pleasure in activities
• Feeling worthless
• Excessive feelings of guilt
• Irritability and trouble making decisions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Aches and pains
• Significant weight loss or weight gain or change in appetite
• Insomnia/Hypersomnia
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue or little physical energy Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

What Causes Depression?

There are several reasons as to why one may develop depression, both biological and environmental. Causes can include:

• family history of depression
• childhood trauma, abusive relationships, divorce, breakups
• loss and grief
• certain medical conditions, illness, surgery
• drug and alcohol use
• underactive frontal lobe
• hormone imbalances and dysfunction
• Poor nutrition and diet (food sensitivities, sugar, inflammatory foods)