Abnormal Psychology by Sarah Sifers

Author:Sarah Sifers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1992-04-13T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Mood Disorders

* * *

Rare, indeed, are those individuals who are never “in a mood”—downcast, discouraged, even depressed; or on the other hand, elated, optimistic, and energetic beyond one’s usual feelings. It is normal, occasionally, to be down in the dumps, a mood that may be triggered by a disappointment, a promotion not granted, a romantic affair broken off, a disturbing family spat. It is just as normal to go through a period of feeling that everything is rosy, when problems melt away, energy and optimism are high, and much activity, sometimes bordering on the frenetic, goes on.

In the depressed mood, energy drains away, interest in old pleasures wanes, and little is accomplished. In a manic spell, much seems to get done, but not always precisely as planned; new projects are begun, resolutions are made, old projects are finished, high hopes are preoccupying, only to fade away too soon when reality is confronted once again.

Among the general population, these moods have their beginning in some real life situation, and they are terminated by a real life event. Depression disappears after a happy family day or upon receipt of an unexpected compliment. Elation disappears as the reality of life’s problems captures our attention. They are both of relatively short duration, and they lead to no drastic or damaging actions. Such moods are to be distinguished from the extreme moods or mood swings described in this chapter. They are mentioned in order to reiterate a point that has been made before with other psychiatric disorders: Abnormal behavior finds its place on a continuum of behavior from the normal and well-adjusted to the extreme and severely maladaptive.

One other point needs mention here in this introductory statement. The array of diagnoses involving mood disturbances may seem like hair splitting. However, the distinctions made among mood disorders exist because, although on the surface they may seem similar, they represent different disorders that follow their own course, often respond to different therapies and, in extreme cases, lead to markedly different outcomes, including suicide or suicidal attempts.

The chapter first identifies the symptoms of depression and mania, then describes the classification of mood disturbances, and briefly indicates their prevalence. It continues with a discussion of possible causes of mood disorders, and then examines the principal therapies found helpful in their treatment. Finally, it examines the sad phenomenon of suicide, a possible outcome of a severe mood disorder.

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