A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF Mood disorders

 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterised by persistent low mood, decreased self-attitude, and a distinct decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence compared to the individual's usual state. MDD has a lifetime prevalence ranging from about 5 to 17 percent, with an average of 12 percent, and is almost twice as prevalent in women as in men. Common symptoms of MDD include feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty in thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

  Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression characterised by long-term depressive symptoms that last for at least two years in adults, or one year in children and adolescents. This disorder is associated with persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness, as well as low self-esteem and a sense of inadequacy. Other symptoms may include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), PDD is classified as a depressive disorder in which depressive symptoms are present "more days than not" over an extended period.

  Seasonal depressive disorder, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression characterised by recurrent depressive episodes that follow a seasonal pattern. Symptoms typically start in the fall or winter and remit in the spring or summer. Individuals with SAD may experience symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months, which can disrupt the body's internal clock and affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

 Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnosis introduced in the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. It is classified as a depressive disorder and was included to address concerns about the misdiagnosis and overtreatment of bipolar disorder. DMDD is characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation, as well as a persistently irritable or angry mood between these outbursts. Individuals with DMDD may experience significant impairment in social, academic, and family functioning due to these symptoms. The diagnosis was created to distinguish the symptoms of chronic irritability punctuated by short-lived outbursts in children.

 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a collection of physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or interference in the seven days before the onset of menstruation. These symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, changes in appetite, and physical symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating. PMDD can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and may require medical attention and treatment.

 Bipolar I Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospital care. These manic episodes are typically accompanied by depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. Individuals with Bipolar I Disorder experience extreme mood swings, affecting their energy levels, behaviour, and ability to function in daily life. The symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder can vary among individuals but commonly include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity during manic episodes and feelings of intense sadness or hopelessness during depressive episodes. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to help individuals manage the symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder and improve their quality of life.

  Bipolar II Disorder is a subtype of bipolar disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of depression and hypomania. Unlike Bipolar I Disorder, individuals with Bipolar II Disorder do not experience full-blown manic episodes but rather hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes but still lead to noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity levels[2]. These hypomanic episodes are interspersed with depressive episodes, resulting in significant fluctuations in mood and behaviour. Hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II Disorder are characterized by symptoms such as increased energy, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and heightened creativity, while depressive episodes involve persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating.

  Cyclothymia is a primary mood disorder characterized by episodes consisting of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for bipolar or major depressive disorder. Individuals with Cyclothymia experience mood fluctuations but at a milder intensity compared to Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder. Hypomanic symptoms in Cyclothymia may include an exaggerated feeling of happiness, extreme optimism, inflated self-esteem, increased talkativeness, and poor judgment leading to risky behaviour. Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, can manifest as changes in appetite, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and difficulties with concentration.