Mood Disorder

Introduction

From early history, people have suffered from mood disturbances. Archeologists have found holes drilled into ancients skulls to relieve the ÐŽoevil humorsÐŽ± of those suffering from sad feelings and strange behaviors. Until the mid-1950s no treatment was available to help people with serious depression or mania. These people suffered through their altered moods, thinking they were hopelessly weak to succumb to these devastating symptoms. Mood disorders are the most common psychiatric diagnoses associated with suicide; depression is one of the most important risk factors for it.

For that reason, this study focuses on major depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide. It is important to note that clients with schizophrenia, substance use disorders, antisocial and borderline personality disorders, and panic disorders also are at increased risk for suicide and suicide attempts. Mood disorders are different in teens and this is because children and teenagers with these mental illnesses quite often go undiagnosed. And so, this is to inform that delays in treatment for depression or bipolar disorders will put your child at risk for more major episodes throughout their life or this will lead to most serious peril which is suicide. If you suspect your child or teenager has a mood disorder, it is important to know what the right things to do to prevent this one form of serious mental illness.

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I. MOOD DISORDER

Everyday use of the word ÐŽodepressedÐŽ± doesnЎЇt actually mean that the person is clinically depressed but is just having a bad day. But there is a point where the ache of sadness becomes chronic and insufferable, a mountain of pain to its victim. And that is mood disorder.

Mood disorders, also called affective disorders/mental illnesses, are pervasive alterations in emotions that are manifested by depression, mania or both. They interfere with a personЎЇs life, plaguing him or her with drastic and long-term sadness, agitation or elation. Accompanying self-doubt, guilt and anger alter life activities especially those that involve self-esteem, occupation and relationships. Mood disorders are the most common psychiatric diagnoses associated with suicide; depression is one of the important risk for it (Roy, 2000).

Each year, almost 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common conditions affecting health today (Borowsky et al, 2001). Mood disorders are different in teens because children and teenagers with mood disorders quite often go undiagnosed (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Parents and teachers might simply write the child off as ÐŽodifficultÐŽ± and obstinate not realizing there is an underlying psychological issue tat must be dealt with by a professional. 7-14% of children will experience an episode of major depression before he age of 15. 20-30% of adult bipolar patients report having their first episode before the age of 20. Out of 100,000 adolescents, two to three thousand will have mood disorders but out of which 8-10 will commit suicide (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

The two principal classifications for mood disorders are bipolar (also known as manic-depression) and depression alone. Bi-polarity is characterized by wild mood swings ranging from deep sadness and feelings of despair. These feelings are all pervasive and donЎЇt disappear in time. Children and adults who suffer from mood disorders cannot cope well in society. When depressed, they experience a loss of interest and lack of enjoyment in life. For a person with bi-polar disorder, the manic swings can create a disruptive influence on all aspects of their life and the lives of everyone around them (DelBello et al, 2000).

According to Mr. Nestor Capuno, ÐŽoMood disorders describe a range of behavioral issues that may occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Mood disorders are considered one of the top ten causes of disability worldwide.ÐŽ±

The most serious risk for teens with undiagnosed depression and bi-polar disorder is suicide. Any indication that your child feels hopeless should serve as a warning sign. Comments such as ÐŽoI wish I were dead,ÐŽ± ÐŽoMaybe IЎЇll just kill myself and stop bother you,ÐŽ± or ÐŽoNo one would even notice if I died,ÐŽ± should not be simply written off as idle threats. It is better to have your child evaluated by a mental health professional than ignore these warning signs and find out the hard way that your teenager was serious about his or her suicidal intentions (Roy, 2000).

SUICIDE

Suicide is the intentional act of killing oneself. Suicidal thoughts are common in people with mood disorders, especially depression. Each year more than 30,000 suicides are reported in the United States; suicide attempts are estimated to be 8 to 10 times higher. In the United States, men commit approximately 72% of suicides, which is roughly 3 times the rate of women although women are 4 times more likely than men to attempt suicide. The higher suicide rates for men are partly the result of he method chosen. Women are more likely to overdose on medication. Men, young women, Caucasians, and separated and divorced people are at increased risk for suicide. Adults older than 65 years compose 10% of he population but account for 25% of suicides. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 15 to 24 years of age, and the rate of suicide is increasing most rapidly in this age group (Kuszmar et al.,2001).

Suicidal Ideation means thinking about killing oneself. Active suicidal ideation is when a person thinks about and seeks ways to commit suicide. Passive suicidal ideation is when a person thinks about wanting to die or wishes he or she were dead but has no plans to cause his or her death. Attempted suicide is a suicidal act that either failed or was incomplete. In an incomplete suicide attempt, the person did not finish the act because 1) someone recognized the suicide attempt as a cry for help and responded or 2) the person was discovered and rescued (Roy, 2000).

Suicide prevention usually involves treating he underlying disorder, such as mood disorder or psychosis, with psychoactive agents. He overall goals are first to keep the client safe and later to help him or her to develop new coping skills that do not involve self-harm. Other outcomes may relate to ADLs, sleep and nourishment needs, and problems specific to the crisis such as stabilization of psychiatric illness/symptoms (Borowsky et al.,2001).

II. CATEGORIES OF MOOD DISORDERS

The primary mood disorders are major