Mood disorder - Invigorate Medical

Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that affect how we regulate and experience emotions. The main types of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Depressive disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Some examples are:

• Major depressive disorder: Characterized by severe, ongoing depression that lasts for two weeks or more. Symptoms can include fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts.
• Persistent depressive disorder: A chronic, low-grade form of depression that lasts for two years or more.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically starting in fall or winter.

On the other hand, bipolar disorders involve shifts between high and low mood episodes. The main types are:

• Bipolar I: Cycles between severe manic episodes (extremely elevated mood) and depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II: Cycles between highs of hypomania (less extreme elevated mood) and lows of depression.
• Cyclothymic disorder: Chronic, fluctuating mood shifts between hypomania and depression that don't reach full manic or depressive episodes.

Mood disorders differ from typical mood changes in duration, frequency, and severity. They can significantly disrupt work, relationships, and overall well-being. So in summary - what defines a mood disorder is emotion regulation getting thrown off balance, to the point where it causes real life problems. The spectrum ranges from major depression to manic highs, with some overlap in between. I tried to touch on the key characteristics there, but let me know if you have any other questions! Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.