- Researchers believe most serious mental illnesses
are caused by complex imbalances in the brain's chemical activity. They
also believe environmental factors can play a part in triggering, or
cushioning against, the onset of mental illness.
Are mood disorders treatable?
Like other diseases, mental illnesses can be treated. The good news is
that most people who have mental illnesses, even serious ones, can lead
productive lives with proper treatment. Mood disorders are one form of
serious mental illness.
What are some common mood disorders?
Two of the most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder,
also known as manic-depressive illness.
1-Bipolar Disorder
Description:
Extreme mood swings punctuated by periods of generally even-keeled
behavior characterize this disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run in
families. This disorder typically begins in the mid-twenties and continues
throughout life. Without treatment, people who have bipolar disorder often
go through devastating life events such as marital breakups, job loss,
substance abuse, and suicide.
Symptoms:
Mania-expansive or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need
for sleep; increased energy; racing thoughts; feelings of invulnerability;
poor judgment; heightened sex drive; and denial that anything is wrong.
Depression-feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or melancholy;
fatigue; loss of appetite for food or sex; sleep disturbances, thoughts of
death or suicide; and suicide attempts. Mania and depression may vary in
both duration and degree of intensity.
Formal Diagnosis:
Although scientific evidence indicates bipolar disorder is caused by
chemical imbalances in the brain, no lab test exists to diagnose the
disorder. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by the
person who has it, relatives, friends, or even physicians. The first step
of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation to rule out any
other mental or physical disorders. Anyone who has this mental illness
should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and
treatment of bipolar disorder.
Treatment:
Eighty to ninety percent of people who have bipolar disorder can be
treated effectively with medication and psychotherapy. Self-help groups
can offer emotional support and assistance in recognizing signs of relapse
to avert a full-blown episode of bipolar disorder. The most commonly
prescribed medications to treat bipolar disorder are three mood
stabilizers: lithium carbonate, carbamazepine, and valproate.
2-Depression
Description:
When a person's feelings of sadness persist beyond a few weeks, he or she
may have depression. According to the National Institute for Mental
Health, three to four million men are affected by depression; it affects
twice as many women. Researchers do not know the exact mechanisms that
trigger depression. Two neurotransmitters-natural substances that allow
brain cells to communicate with one another-are implicated in depression:
serotonin and norepinephrine.
Symptoms:
Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns; feelings of worthlessness,
hopelessness, and inappropriate guilt; loss of interest or pleasure in
formerly important activities; fatigue; inability to concentrate;
overwhelming sadness; disturbed thinking; physical symptoms such as
headaches or stomachaches; and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Formal Diagnosis:
Four or more of the previous symptoms have been present continually, or
most of the time, for more than 2 weeks. The term clinical depression
merely means the episode of depression is serious enough to require
treatment. Major depression is marked by far more severe symptoms, such as
literally being unable to drag oneself out of bed. Another form of
depression, known as seasonal affective disorder, is associated with
seasonal changes in the amount of available daylight.
Treatment:
Some types of cognitive/behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy may
be as effective as medications for some people who have depression.
Special bright light helps many people who have seasonal affective
disorder.
Three major types of medication are used to treat depression: tricyclics;
the newer selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). Electroconvulsive therapy uses small
amounts of electricity applied to the scalp to affect neurotransmitters in
the brain. Usually referred to as ECT, this highly controversial and
potentially life-saving technique is considered only when other therapies
have failed, when a person is seriously medically ill and/or unable to
take medication, or when a person is very likely to commit suicide.
Substantial improvements in the equipment, dosing guidelines and
anesthesia have significantly reduced the possibility of side effects.
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