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Mood Disorder Screening

WHAT IS A MOOD DISORDER

Moods describe the way we feel at any given time and are considerably dynamic in that they can change depending on any number of variables.  These variables can include external events such as a job promotion or loss, the weather, the quality of our sleep the night before, the quality and satisfaction in our relationships, etc. etc. and/or internal circumstances.  That is, mood is dependent on the biochemistry in our brains.  For some people, that biochemistry predisposes them to either erratic and fluctuating moods or mood swings, or to a prolonged sad or anxious mood. 

There are 10 mood disorders recognized by the DSM IV- TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision) which is considered the "bible" of the psychological, counseling, and psychiatric community.  In order to be diagnosed with a mood disorder, the individual must have enough of the symptoms present to meet the diagnostic criteria for that disorder, and the symptoms have to be of significant severity for a significant period of time so that it is disruptive to the person's life.  Two common disorders in our society are depression and bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression.  The difference between the two is that people who suffer from bipolar disorder suffer from both periods of major depression and either mania or hypomania.  It is important to note that adults and children often present differently.  For example, a depressed adult may describe his or her mood as sad, depressed, hopeless, "blah" or "down in the dumps", but a child or adolescent may be irritable or cranky.  See the depression and bipolar disorder screenings for further information regarding common symptoms.

While at times, a depressive episode can remit on its own, most often one needs help through therapy and sometimes medication management to recover.  It is especially important if the individual is having suicidal thoughts.  That is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be addressed immediately by a professional, by calling 911, or by going to the hospital emergency room.

During manic episodes, one has an abnormally high or elevated mood but sometimes can display an unusually angry and irritable mood for a prolonged period of time.  Some people who have an elevated mood, which may be described as euphoric and cheerful may be resistant to treatment because at those times, they feel incredibly energetic, self-confident, creative, goal-oriented and believe they can "conquer the world".  Unfortunately, their judgment at the time may be severely altered leading to significant problems, such as overspending, having promiscuous sex, making poor decisions with regard to investments and finances, or reckless driving.  They may be very sensitive to attempts to curb their desires and wishes and anger and irritability often ensues.  Unfortunately, a decreased need for sleep often accompanies these feelings, and in severe cases, this lack of sleep can lead to hallucinations and delusional behavior.  The person may also become dangerous to themselves and others, resulting in a psychiatric crisis.

 *Ideas about children with bipolar disorders have evolved over the years.  Until fairly recently, it was believed that children did not develop bipolar disorders at young ages.  It is now commonly accepted that they do, but it takes an experienced clinician to recognize the disorder in children, as they present so differently from adults.  In addition, there are many overlapping symptoms from other associated disorders, making diagnosis more challenging.  It can be especially difficult to distinguish between ADHD and bipolar disorder, or to determine the source, of an angry and irritable mood which in children and adolescence which can indicate depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or merely puberty (beginning pre-adolescents).