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Is it Moodiness or a Mood Disorder?

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Step aside, ADD and anxiety—mood disorders are fast becoming the most talked-about illness of the decade. From sitcom characters and celebrities to everyday adults and children, more and more people are being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Still, thousands of others continue to suffer, undiagnosed and untreated. How do you know whether your moodiness is a normal reaction to life or the sign of a serious medical disorder? Before you head for the Prozac—or endure another day of undiagnosed misery—get the facts on these often misunderstood illnesses.

There are two types of mood disorders: bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and depression (also known as unipolar depression). The symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in things that once brought pleasure, constant feelings of sadness and emptiness, and an inability to get things done. Bipolar disorder has all of the symptoms of depression as well as a mood swing called mania; people with bipolar disorder can cycle back and forth between the two states.

Scientifically defined as a "pathologically elevated mood," mania can create feelings of euphoria, omnipotence, or hyperarousal that are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. People with mania may experience extreme exhilaration and other seemingly "good" feelings, but the mania can also manifest as agitation, scattered thoughts, and feelings of extreme emotional discomfort.

Depression and bipolar disorder share a range of other symptoms, including psychosis (a break with reality that can be characterized by hallucinations and distorted thoughts), irritation and anger, problems with attention and concentration (often misdiagnosed as ADD), and anxiety. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses or personality defects, and the real culprit—a serious mood disorder—is often misdiagnosed or brushed off. People with undiagnosed mood disorders often mistake their illness for a flaw in their character, and can spend years desperately trying to "get their acts together and lead lives like regular people" instead of seeking psychiatric evaluation for an illness.

In reality, both depression and bipolar disorder are fairly easy to diagnose—once they are considered as real possibilities. Although a proper diagnosis must be made by a trained professional, here are some clues that may help you determine if your "moodiness" is a sign of a serious illness:

Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of suicide are common among those suffering from serious depression. Whether action-oriented (I'm going to get a gun and shoot myself; I'm going to take a bottle of pills with a bottle of wine) or more passive (I wish I were dead; Things would be better if I were gone), suicidal thoughts are always a sign that a person's brain chemistry is not functioning properly, and that professional help is needed immediately.

Unnaturally elevated moods: Mania can be so sneaky. When a person who has been depressed suddenly feels the cloud lift, It's natural to think that the depression has ended and that the person is finally "back to normal." But for people with bipolar disorder, this is often the first stage of an unnatural, escalating mood swing in the opposite direction. Mania often feels so good—at first—that It's hard for people to recognize it, or acknowledge it as a serious problem. Unfortunately, feelings of euphoria or agitation can continue to intensify until the person no longer makes sense. Those who eventually experience full-blown manic episodes often end up hospitalized, but countless others who suffer from milder manic episodes (known as hypomania) often go untreated, or are treated only for depression. If you or those around you notice marked shifts in your energy, agitation, or feelings of well-being especially if they affect your sleep patterns, you may suffer from bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist or properly trained physician can diagnose your symptoms to determine whether you're just recovering from depression or experiencing the flip side of this serious illness.

Be aware, too, that antidepressants can ignite dormant mania in people. For this reason, your physician should be aware that what seems a clear case of depression may actually mask the presence of bipolar disorder.

Disorders - Mood Disorders