Differences between normal and abnormal moods
The primary differences between normal and abnormal levels of depression involve the cause, the duration of the signs and symptoms, and the level of severity of symptoms. When there are situational factors that would produce signs of depression and the signs and symptoms are present for a period of time that would be congruent with the situation, a depressive episode would be considered a normal responses. In some cases, symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning might also be considered normal if the situation is congruent with a severe reaction. However, when signs and symptoms of depression are evident in the absence of situational causes or at a level that exceeds the nature of the circumstances, then the problem is more likely related to a condition that falls outside the norm. Further, if signs and symptoms are present at a level that interferes with the individual’s ability to perform daily activities of life and these symptoms continue longer than might be expected given situational factors, the individual would be diagnosed with some type of mood disorder. A mood disorder is a biopsychosocial condition that impacts the normal ebb and flow of mood either in frequency or severity and does not respond to normal coping strategies. A mood disorder is not the result of situational factors but may be triggered by a response to a life situation.
Types of Mood Disorders
Bipolar depression is an excessively low mood that is part of the cycling process of bipolar disorder. Unipolar depression, on the other hand, is an excessively low mood that occurs in some individuals that is not part of a cycle of mood swings but exists on its own.
Mood disorders are characterized by the presence of depressive episodes or manic episodes with additional characteristics that distinguish on from another. A major depressive episode is characterized by a period of extreme sadness or depressed mood as demonstrated by:
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"Mood Disorders".
Apathy or a low energy level
Problems with concentration and focus
Social withdrawal
Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Feelings of worthlessness
Problems sleeping
Appetite disturbances
Presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Individuals with a major depressive disorder have experienced one or more depressive episodes without evidence of a manic episode. These symptoms exceed what might be expected as a reaction to a life situation. The signs and symptoms have persisted for longer than six months. Individuals are diagnosed with dysthymic disorder when the signs and symptoms are primary mild to moderate, have persisted for one year or more, and have no evidence of a manic episode. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed when there is the presence of both depressive and manic episodes and shifts between these two states. Cyclothymic disorders lack a manic episode but involve changes in mood that seem to cycle. The cycles are predictable but are not a response to a set of events that are occurring. Seasonal Affective disorder is similar to cyclothymia but is distinguished by the cycling of moods around certain seasons. Post-partum depression has the characteristics of depressive disorders but follows the birth of a baby and continues beyond what might be expected given the normal hormonal recuperation period.
Suicide
Depression is recognized as a biopsychosocial condition that has been found to be related to biochemical changes in the brain. Suicide is seen as an act that results from following through on the ideations that occur as part of the symptoms of depression. Psychological approaches to suicide focus on assisting the individual to work through the emotions connected with loss while cognitive approaches help individuals correct faulty thinking patterns that lead to depression. Social approaches focus on making changes in the relationships and environment that can assist the individual in coping better with emotional reactions. While these approaches are all valid and have a solid basis in their reduction of depressive symptoms, the biology of depression highlights the importance of medication in alleviating the severe hopelessness that leads to suicidal thoughts. Once individuals are able to focus their attention to resolving life problems, psychotherapy can be effective.
Suicide prevention
Intervention approaches for suicidal individuals involve identification of suicidality, exploration of a plan and means, identification of motivations to continue to live, and referral to appropriate individuals for treatment. It is important to understand that individuals not all individuals who talk about wishing to die are actually likely to attempt to kill themselves. In fact, some feelings of wishing to be out of hard situations in life are common. However, threats or more serious expressions of wishing to die need to be taken seriously. Individuals who are suicidal are not likely to indicate for certain that they are serious but may be able to talk about their plans without feeling that their plans are going to be stopped. Treatment for individuals who are suicidal is important and keeping a conversation open long enough to ensure that the individual recognizes the sources that are available for help is essential. Untrained individuals should assist the person to accessing individuals who are trained to help rather than attempting to contact friends or family.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders are characterized by longstanding patterns of dysfunctional behaviors that are applied in most circumstances. These patterns are evident from childhood and become so firmly established that characteristic features are clearly evident by late adolescence and early adulthood. These patterns are resistant to change and the individual sees little reason to make changes.
