We tend to react to external circumstances by changing moods, and there is nothing terrible in laughter after tears or anger, which precedes affection. But it happens that our reactions cease to be adequate, then they speak of mood disorders (affective disorders). Violations of this type include several diagnoses, which are united by the main sign - a violation of the emotional state.
Mood disorders and their types
Studies of violations of this type are still ongoing, so it is too early to speak of a complete classification. To date, the most widely recognized mood disorders associated with manic episodes, and affective disorders, free of such symptoms. Among the first group, the most famous is clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Of the second group, bipolar affective disorder is most famous, for which the alternation of manic and depressive periods is characteristic. Mood disorders are not yet fully understood, their species continue to be replenished, and all cases that do not fall into any of the known categories are referred to as affective disorder, unspecified.
The causes of the appearance of such disorders are unknown, but the researchers put forward several hypotheses about the genetic, psychosocial or biological aspect. In the first case, the presence of an abnormal gene in 11 chromosomes is expected, in the second case, the loss of social contacts or different kinds of stress is blamed. Speaking about the biochemical causes of mood disorders, imply a disruption of the production of noradrenaline and serotonin - the two most important neurotransmitters.
Treatment of mood disorder
Such violations are within the scope of the interests of a psychiatrist, therefore, when a disorder is detected, the mood should be addressed specifically to this specialist. Since the main types of mood disorders are depression and manic episodes, the treatment is also selected, based on adequate therapy for these problems, supplemented by preventive measures. With depressive disorders, therapy begins with the use of antidepressants, and for violations of the second type, treatment with neuroleptics and psychotherapy sessions is used.