Mood Disorders, which include various forms of depression and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), are serious brain disorders that can affect people of all ages. Mood disorders cause significant changes in mood, energy, and behavior, which can make it difficult or impossible to function effectively in everyday life.
The DSM-IV-TR divides Mood Disorder into the following five major classes:
A. Depressive Disorders ("Unipolar Depression")
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Dysthymic Disorder
- Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
B. Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Bipolar II Disorder
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
C. Mood Disorder due to a General Medical Condition
D. Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
E. Mood Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
(Please note the DSM-IV-TR has added specifiers to further characterize and differentiate the disorders).
Mood Disorders rank among the top 10 causes of worldwide disability (Murray & Lopez, 1996). Unipolar major depression ranks first, with bipolar disorder among the top 10. Moreover, disability and suffering are not limited to the patient. Spouses, children, parents, siblings, and friends experience frustration, guilt, anger, financial hardship and, on occasion, physical abuse in their attempts to assuage or cope with the depressed person’s suffering. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 comprise the majority of those with major depression (Regier et al., 1993).
