Mood disorders are disorders of the mood, which can be either high or low. The most commonly understood mood disorder is major depression, but others are often talked about as well. A disorder of the mood can have life-impacting effects on people, as it can destroy their ability to maintain motivation. In another sense, it alters them differently, or it can give them a boost. This is what is most common among those with bipolar disorder, as it is one of the 7 worst mood disorders.
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It’s not always black and white with mood disorders. They can be classified as unipolar depression, bipolar moods, i.e., major depression or mania. It can also be identified as episodic where the moods can go back and forth through phases. A person can end up being affected by more than one mood disorder, strangely enough. The effect this can have varies depending on severity, but the negativity is all the same. These are the 7 worst mood disorders.
The Seven Worst Mood Disorders
1. Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder has been mentioned here plenty of time, and it’s one of the worst mood disorders. Feeling depressed can leave someone feeling alone and rejected. Oftentimes, these feelings cannot be shaken, and it can create problems with self-esteem and guilt. A lack of motivation is one of the main features of depression, and it is why depression is so damning. People who are depressed will often self-isolate to avoid feeling like a burden to others while experience a low mood. This makes it hard to find hope and pleasure, as a person decides to close themselves off from others.
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Since anxiety is often present with depression, it makes feeling at ease a challenge of it’s own. People struggling with depression can also experience psychosis and other problems related to fear and delusion. Ignoring one’s health is another major symptom, and personal hygiene takes a backseat when experiencing symptoms. Beyond simply feeling down all of the time, insomnia, rumination, and eating habit changes are also present. Psychotic features like delusions and hallucinations can be there if the symptoms are bad enough.
2. Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is a type of bipolar spectrum disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode (with or without mixed or psychotic features). Most people also, at other times, have one or more depressive episodes. They all experience a hypomanic stage before progressing to full mania. Substance abuse is very common in the manic phrase of this disease, as it is during the depression. Indiscriminate sex and reckless abandon are also prevalent among those who have bipolar 1. The depression is the same as major depressive disorder in it’s intensity, and a lack of motivation is a key feature.
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The back and forth of this disorder is what makes it so destructive and bad, and you never really know what you will get. Since it’s a mood disorder, anxiety is also very present. Those with the disorder can often be highly irritable, especially during the manic phase. Psychosis and feelings of guilt or regret can be felt when going between episodes. The psychotic features include paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations, which happen most during manic phases. A lack of sleep and eating habit changes occur between these episodes, which worsens anxiety and psychotic symptoms. The destruction this can have on family members and friends reverberates to an extent. No one knows what to expect, but it will often be seen when the switch flips.
The Seven Worst Mood Disorders
3. Bipolar 2 Disorder
Bipolar II disorder is a bipolar spectrum disorder characterized by at least one episode of hypomania and major depression. Diagnosis for bipolar II disorder requires that the individual must never have experienced a full manic episode. Otherwise, one manic episode meets the criteria for bipolar I disorder. This is the one key distinction between the two illnesses. Hypomania is a sustained state of elevated or irritable mood that is less severe than mania. Yet, it may still significantly affect quality of life and result in permanent consequences. The side effects may include reckless spending, damaged relationships, and poor judgment.
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Unlike mania, hypomania is not associated with psychosis. The hypomanic episodes associated with bipolar II disorder must last for at least four days. Depressive episodes are also more frequent and more intense than hypomanic episodes. Additionally, when compared to bipolar I disorder, type II presents more frequent depressive episodes and shorter intervals of well-being. The course of bipolar II disorder is more chronic and consists of more frequent cycling than the course of bipolar I disorder. Finally, bipolar II is associated with a greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than bipolar I or unipolar depression. Although bipolar II is commonly perceived to be a milder form of Type I, this is not the case. Types I and II present equally severe burdens.
4. Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder, is a mental and behavioral disorder that lies in the bipolar spectrum. It involves numerous periods of symptoms of depression and periods of symptoms of elevated mood. These symptoms, however, are not sufficient to be a major depressive episode or a manic episode. Symptoms must last for more than one year in children and two years in adults. The cause of cyclothymia is unknown, but those with affected family members are more likely to have it. Risk factors include a family history of bipolar disorder and abuse.
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Cyclothymia differs from bipolar in that major depression and mania are not found. It should be noted that all of the symptoms are the same as bipolar, but they are less severe. The depressive and manic symptoms in cyclothymia last for variable amounts of time. This is due to the unstable and reactive nature of the disorder. The overall unpredictability is what really sets this disorder apart from the rest. This is because of the switch from depression and hypomania on the fly. A person with this disorder can switch to hypomania during a depressive stage, too.
The Seven Worst Mood Disorders
5. Dysthymia
Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), is a mental and behavioral disorder similar to depression. It is specifically a disorder of the mood, consisting of the same cognitive and physical problems as depression. The difference is that PDD, you will have longer-lasting symptoms. Dysthymia characteristics include an extended period of depressed mood combined with at least two other symptoms.
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The symptoms may include insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue or low energy, eating changes (more or less), low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness. Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions are treated as another possible symptom. Irritability is one of the more common symptoms in children and adolescents. Mild degrees of dysthymia may result in people withdrawing from stress and avoiding opportunities for failure. In more severe cases of dysthymia, people may withdraw from daily activities. They will usually find little pleasure in usual activities and pastimes, including sex and gambling.
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and disabling form of premenstrual syndrome affecting 1.8-5.8% of menstruating women. The disorder consists of a variety of affective, behavioral and somatic symptoms. These symptoms recur monthly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The most common feeling is depression similar to that of post menopausal depression and major depression.
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Besides feeling depressed, you may also have: mood swings, irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, and fatigue. There are also change in appetite or sleep habits, and feelings of being overwhelmed. PMDD affects women from their early teens up until menopause; however, this is excluding those with hypothalamic amenorrhea or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Those with PMDD are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and having a suicide plan. Antidepressant medication and sometimes oral contraceptives can treat PMDD.
The Seven Worst Mood Disorders
7. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mental and mood disorder in children and adolescents characterized by a persistently irritable or angry mood. There are frequent temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation. The reactions they display are significantly more severe than the typical reaction of same-aged peers. DMDD was added to the DSM-5 as a type of depressive disorder diagnosis for youths. The symptoms of DMDD resemble those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in particular. They also resemble oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety disorders, and childhood bipolar disorder.
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This disorder can be a nuisance for parent because of the excessive mood swings that are always present. The outbursts can lead to the breaking of objects, swearing, sadism, and other problems. The most common issues on display here are the screaming, yelling, and angry and violent verbal attacks. This can create issues for the child or teen in school and at their home. The risk of adulthood anxiety and depression are higher in those struggling with this as children. Therapy is one of the best ways to accompany the child through this disorder.
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