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Four basic forms of mood disorders are major depression,
cyclothymia (a mild form of bipolar disorder), SAD (seasonal
affective disorder) and mania (euphoric, hyperactive, overinflated
ego, unrealistic optimism.)
How Common Are Mood Disorders?
About 20% of the U.S. population reports at least one depressive
symptom in a given month, and 12% report two or more in a year. A
survey conducted in 1992 found rates of major depression reaching
5% in the previous 30 days, 17% for a lifetime. Bipolar disorder is
less common, occurring at a rate of 1% in the general population,
but some believe the diagnosis is often overlooked because manic
elation is too rarely reported as an illness.
The Relationship Between Psychiatric Disorders and Mood
Disorders
Depression is a common feature of mental illness, whatever its
nature and origin. A person with a history of any serious
psychiatric disorder has almost as high a chance of developing
major depression as someone who has had major depression itself in
the past.
Alcohol, Substance Abuse and
Depression
Alcoholism and other forms of drug dependence are also related
to depression. Dual diagnosis - substance abuse and another
psychiatric disorder, usually a mood disorder - is an increasingly
serious psychiatric concern. Whether drug abuse causes depression,
depression leads to drug abuse, or both have a common cause, a
vicious spiral ensues when addicts use the drugs to relieve
symptoms the drugs have caused. Cocaine and other stimulants act on
neurotransmitters in the brain’s pleasure center, causing
elation that is followed by depression as the effect subsides.
Sometimes what appears to be major depression clears up after
abstinence from alcohol or drugs. People with serious mood
disorders also have twice the average rate of nicotine addiction,
and many become depressed when they try to stop smoking.
Personality and Mood Disorders
People are more easily demoralized by depression and slower to
recover if they are withdrawn and unreasonably self-critical or
irritable, impulsive, and hypersensitive to loss. Most people with
major depression also show some signs of anxiety, and 15-30% have
panic attacks. As a biological mechanism for coping with danger,
anxiety creates a need for help or protection that may give way to
despair if it is disappointed. Chronically anxious people may also
medicate themselves with alcohol or drugs that can cause
depression.
Depression and Physical Illness
Depression is associated with physical illness as well. Some 25%
of hospitalized medical patients have noticeable depressive
symptoms and about 5% are suffering from major depression. Chronic
medical conditions associated with depression include heart
disease, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, hepatitis, and
malaria. Depression also is a common effect of neurological
disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
diseases, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and brain tumors. Even
moderate depressive symptoms are associated with a higher than
average rate of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and high blood
pressure. Depression can mimic medical illness and any illness
feels worse to someone suffering from depression.
For More
Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
National Mental
Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
National Mental Health Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse
Phone: (800) 553-4539
National Mental Health Services
Knowledge Exchange Network
PO Box 42490
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: (800) 789-2647
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