Mood Disorder and Mood Swing
Overview
Mood disorders affect over 10
million Americans every year and are classified as a form of depression.
Although most individuals may experience slight mood changes on a daily,
weekly or monthly basis, the more advanced forms of mood disorders can
develop into bipolar disorder (manic depression) and can have serious
mental and physical consequences if left untreated.
Research indicates that women are
twice as likely to experience mood swings than men. Most women who
experience mood changes, do so as a result of pregnancy or post-partum.
Mood swings are closely related to Post Partum Depression.
Mood swings are characterized by
periods, commonly referred to as episodes, of mania and
depression. During an episode of mania, one may experience an abnormally
elevated mood, irritability, decreased need for sleep, increased talking
and racing thoughts. During episodes of depression, one may experience
persistent sad and empty moods, loss of interest in activities, feelings
of guilt, feelings of worthlessness and physical ailments such as
headaches, chronic pain or digestive disorders.
Treating mood swings has an 80% to
90% success rate for those who seek help. However, only about one third
(1/3) of individuals who have a mood disorder choose to seek treatment.
As a result, over sixty percent of individuals who suffer from this
potentially debilitating disorder never find relief.