Articles:
Books and Brochures:
Screenings:
Tools:
Mood Charts:
Affect: A feeling, mood, or emotion, or the visible, outward
appearance of feeling.
Antidepressant: A medication that works on chemicals in the brain to
help lift symptoms of depression. There are several classes or types
of antidepressants which act on different combinations of brain
chemicals.
Antipsychotic: A medication that works to relieve symptoms such as
delusions, racing thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia and other
symptoms that may appear during mania or depression.
Atypical: A form of depression or bipolar disorder that does not
follow usual or expected patterns.
Bipolar: A disorder characterized by switching between the two
extremes or "poles" of mania, a highly active or agitated state, and
depression, a sad, withdrawn state.
Bipolar I disorder: Bipolar disorder characterized by alternating
states of mania and depression.
Bipolar II disorder: Bipolar disorder characterized by alternating
states of depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania.
bipolar disorder NOS: Bipolar disorder that does not follow a
pattern, or follows a pattern different from bipolar I or bipolar II
disorder.
Chronic: Recurring.
Clinical trials: Research studies involving people that test the
effectiveness of different types of treatments and/or medications.
Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder): A form of bipolar disorder
characterized by alternating hypomania and mild depression.
Delusion: A belief, such as "I have figured out the meaning
of life," "I have been chosen to save everyone on earth," or "Everyone
is talking about me," that is exaggerated or untrue. Delusions may
be part of mania or depression.
Depression: A period of at least two weeks of depressed mood, along
with loss of interest or pleasure and at least five of the following
symptoms: fatigue or low energy, changes in weight or appetite,
changes in sleep habits, slowed or agitated movements, feelings of
worthlessness or excessive guilt, inability to concentrate, and
thoughts of death or suicide.
Disorder: An illness, disease, syndrome or condition.
Dysthymia (dysthymic disorder): An illness characterized by a
chronically depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not,
for at least two years, with symptom-free periods lasting less than
two months. Dysthymia may be difficult to identify or diagnose
because the person may believe that sadness is part of his or her
personality. While dysthymia is not as severe as major depression,
it can be just as disabling.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A form of treatment first used in
the 1930s, which has been modified to be much gentler and safer in
the 2000s. ECT works by applying a small electric current to the
brain which causes a small seizure and can relieve symptoms of
depression or mania when traditional treatments do not work, or
immediate relief is needed.
Episode: A period of manic or depressive symptoms that often
interferes with life.
Euthymia: A stable, even mood.
Euthymic: Having a stable, even mood.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): A neurotransmitter that acts by
binding to specific receptors on both sides of the synapse.
Medications that increase GABA typically have anti-anxiety,
anti-convulsive or mood stabilizing properties.
Hallucination: Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
Hallucinations may occur with severe mania, or with depression that
has psychotic features.
Hypomania: A milder form of mania characterized by a period of at
least four days during which a person has a noticeable personality
change along with milder manic symptoms which may include
enthusiasm, irritability, racing thoughts, less need for sleep,
increased productivity, distractibility and pleasure-seeking.
Hypomania is not easily diagnosed, in part because many people
mistake their symptoms for a really good day or don’t report them
because they are enjoyable.
Ideation: The process of forming and relating thoughts, feelings
ideas. This term "suicidal ideation" is often used to describe the
symptom of depression in which a person becomes obsessed with death
and motivated to take his or her own life. This symptom needs to be
treated immediately.
Inpatient: Treatment that takes place inside a facility. Inpatient
treatment is often recommended for people whose symptoms interfere
with their lives to an extent that they are not able to care for
themselves. Inpatient treatment for a psychiatric condition usually
lasts 1-3 weeks, depending on the facility and the person’s medical
insurance.
Magnetic stimulation therapy (MST): MST uses powerful magnetic
fields to induce a small, mild seizure, similar to one produced
through ECT. Research studies involving people have only recently
begun. Researchers believe MST will be able to treat specific areas
of the brain. It is hoped that this treatment will not affect memory
or concentration. However, because the procedure causes a seizure,
general anesthesia is required. The FDA has not yet approved MST for
treatment of depression or bipolar disorder. Clinical trials are
ongoing.
Mania: A period of elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one
week (or less if hospitalization is necessary) which includes four
or more of the following symptoms: inflated self-esteem, decreased
need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility,
increase in goal-directed activity, or excessive involvement in
pleasurable activities.
Mixed episode/mixed mania: A period during which symptoms of mania
and depression are both present. May also be called dysphoric mania.
Mood: Emotion, feeling, frame of mind.
Mental: Relating to the mind.
Outpatient: Treatment that takes place in a facility for 3-8 hours
during the day, after which the patient returns home. Outpatient
treatment is often recommended for people who have severe symptoms
requiring treatment but are not a danger to themselves or others.
Neurosis: An outdated term for mood disturbance or destructive
habit. Most conditions classified as neuroses 50 years ago are now
recognized as treatable mental illnesses.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and
modulate electrical signals between brain cells. Many medications
for mood disorders adjust the amounts of certain neurotransmitters
in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric
acid).
Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter that affects parts of the brain
where attention and impulsivity are controlled. Along with
epinephrine, norepinephrine works to control a person’s
fight-or-flight response.
Psychosis: A treatable condition in which a person may be confused
and have delusions or hallucinations. Psychosis may co-occur with
mania or depression. Although it is often a temporary state, people
experiencing psychosis should get immediate treatment to avoid
putting themselves or others in danger.
Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD) who specializes in illnesses of
the brain and the medications that treat them.
Psychologist/psychotherapist: A trained and licensed professional
(PhD, MSW, LCSW, EdD, and other advanced degrees) who specializes in
talk therapy. Most psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but
they can offer a great deal of help through therapy.
Psychotherapy: An important part of treatment that involves talking
about goals, things in life you want to change, fears, stressors,
triggers, relationships, crises, routines, destructive habits or
other things that contribute to stress, relationship problems or a
mental illness. The goal of psychotherapy is to address the things
that may be keeping you from reaching the wellness you deserve.
There are many types of psychotherapy, including cognitive,
behavioral, interpersonal and social rhythm.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter believed to play an important role in
the regulation of mood, sleep, sexuality and appetite. Serotonin has
been thought to play a part in many disorders, notably as part of
the biochemistry of depression, migraine, bipolar disorder and
anxiety. (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT)
Schizoaffective disorder: An illness in which symptoms of a major
depressive or manic episode coexist with symptoms of schizophrenia
(an illness characterized by symptoms including delusions,
hallucinations, disorganized or incoherent speech, disorganized or
catatonic (inactive) behavior, and a "flat" affect lasting more than
six months and interfering with life). (For more information:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.cfm)
Side effect: An additional effect of a medication that may be
bothersome, such as dry mouth, weight gain, sexual dysfunction,
tremor or blurred vision. Side effects and ways to cope with them
should be discussed with a doctor.
Synapses: Spaces through which brain and nervous system cells signal
to each other, or to muscles or glands.
Talk therapy: see Psychotherapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A newer treatment in which
a special electromagnet delivers short bursts of energy to stimulate
nerve cells in the brain. This helps correct the existing chemical
imbalance. Studies have also shown that TMS and certain types of
rapid rate TMS (rTMS) can have beneficial effects without the side
effects that accompany some medications. TMS can be performed in a
physician’s office. It does not require surgery, hospitalization, or
anesthesia. The FDA has not yet approved TMS for treatment of
depression or bipolar disorder. Clinical trials are ongoing.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy): A treatment that involves
implanting a small pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker, in the
left chest area and connected to the vagus nerve in the left side of
the neck. The pulse generator sends small pulses to the vagus nerve,
and the vagus nerve then delivers these pulses directly to the
brain. Because the vagus nerve does not contain pain fibers,
stimulation is typically painless. VNS Therapy targets specific
areas of the brain that affect mood and other symptoms of
depression. Vagus nerve stimulation also influences the activity of
neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Back to Top
Depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) are
both highly treatable medical illnesses. Unfortunately many people
do not get the help they need because of misunderstanding the issues
surrounding the illnesses or the fear associated with stigma. The
following information can help you learn more about the signs and
symptoms of mood disorders so that you can get the help you need for
yourself or a loved one.
Signs and symptoms of depression:
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you experience five or more of these symptoms for more than two
weeks or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or family
activities, consult with your doctor for a thorough evaluation. This
should include a complete physical exam (some other illnesses can
cause these symptoms) open and honest about how you are feeling and
a review of your family's history.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar disorder differs significantly from clinical depression,
although the symptoms for the depressive phase of the illness are
similar. People who have bipolar disorder talk about experiencing
mood shifts. These swings can be severe, ranging from extreme energy
to deep despair. These mood shifts disrupt normal life activities
distinguish bipolar mood episodes from ordinary mood changes. The
shifts may be mild ranging from sadness to irritability or
restlessness.
Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder
- Increased physical and mental activity and energy
- Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
- Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
- Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
- Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance
- Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
- Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
- Reckless behavior
- In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Back to Top
Print this page and fill out to track your
moods. Take this checklist with you when you see your doctor next.
Consider asking your family to help fill this out with you.
Back to Top
If you've just been diagnosed with a mood disorder, you are not
alone. Mood disorders affect more than 22 million Americans. They
are treatable, and you are not weak, flawed, or crazy. One of the
best things you can do to help yourself in your recovery is learn
all you can about your illness.
You've Just Been Diagnosed...
"I've always had mood swings. I used to throw huge tantrums when
I was a kid. As I got older, the highs got higher and the lows got
lower. I lost several jobs and ruined a whole bunch of
relationships. Finally, I decided nothing could be worse than living
like I was, and I went to get some help."
"It was like my brain played a cruel joke on me. My energy and
creativity were the things I relied on and when I became depressed
they were completely gone, as was most of my will to live. There was
no way I could 'snap out of it.' The depression was stronger than I
was that's the nature of the illness. I'm so grateful that my
treatment has helped me get back to living my life."
"I thought medication was going to make me weird or an addict.
But after a few months, I wasn't really aware I was taking it. There
was no 'high,' but I now feel a lot less depressed. As long as I
keep taking my pill every morning, I'm able to cope with life.
Things that used to make me cry and want to go hide, I'm able to
deal with now."
What Now?
If you've just been diagnosed with a mood disorder, you are not
alone. Mood disorders affect more than 22 million Americans. They
are treatable, and you are not weak, flawed, or crazy. One of the
best things you can do to help yourself in your recovery is learn
all you can about your illness.
What's happening to me?
Mood disorders are physical illnesses that affect the brain. Their
exact cause is not known, but it is known that an imbalance in brain
chemicals plays a role. These illnesses also have a genetic
component, meaning they can run in families. They are not your
fault, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Having a mood disorder
does not mean you can't lead a normal life.
Think of your mood disorder the same way you think of illnesses such
as asthma or diabetes. No one would ever ask someone else to think
positive in response to the low blood sugar of diabetes or breathing
trouble of asthma, and no one would think twice about getting the
necessary treatment for these illnesses.
Continue reading DBSA's publication "You've Just Been Diagnosed...
What Now?"
This information was taken from the Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance. For more information please visit them at
www.dbsalliance.org.
Back to Top
Send This Page To a Friend
|
