Symptoms of mood disorder

Mood disorder is a disorder in which a person experiences long periods of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or both. Mood disorders are a group of mental illnesses that affect how a person feel and think about himself, other people and life in general.

Mood disorders include major depression, bipolar disorder (combining episodes of both mania and depression) and dysthymia.

Individuals with mood disorders suffer significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational or other important areas of functioning. Two of the most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder).

Symptoms of major depression may include:
Feeling sad most of the time or nearly every day
Having low self-esteem
Fatigue, exhaustion, or lack of energy
Feeling worthless, hopeless
Obsessed with feelings of loss, personal failure, guilt
Loss of appetite or overeating
Gaining weight or losing weight
Not interested in normal activities
Sleep disturbances
Frequent thoughts about death or suicide
Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

Symptoms of hypomanic or manic episodes include:
Hyperactivity or racing thoughts
Excessive pursuit of pleasure
Rapid speech or movement
Agitation, restlessness, or irritability
Risk-taking behavior
Very high self-esteem; feeling all powerful
Racing thoughts
Decreased sleep
Feeling jumpy or on edge for no apparent reason

Many factors contribute to mood disorders. They are likely caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Life events (such as stressful life changes) may also contribute to a depressed mood.
Symptoms of mood disorder