Mood Disorders
Modified: 2020-04-22
Another large category of serious disorders is mood disorders. These
disorders are characterized by large disturbances in mood. Depressed
people become lethargic, develop low self-esteem, sleep for long
periods, and generally, lose their enthusiasm for life and living.
They are at a distinct risk of suicide; thus they are hospitalized.
Interestingly, the risk of suicide usually increases as people move
from the bottom of their depression upward. They are at greater risk
because, as they become less depressed, they also become more active,
and have more energy. They may devote that energy to planning and
executing their own death. So, others have to be extremely aware of
that phenomenon. In mental health inpatient settings, depressed
people are not allowed to possess items such as belts or razor blades
because they may use the items to kill themselves.
In bipolar disorder, which the DSM-II labelled manic-depressive
psychosis, people swing back and forth between depression and mania.
In mania alone, people display inflated self-esteem, high levels of
activity, and a lack of sleep.
Both mood disorders are treated with anti-depressant drugs,
lithium salts, Prozac, or some combination. Many sufferers must take
small doses of drugs indefinitely in order not to show their
symptoms.
The DSM-II labelled both schizophrenia and mood disorders as
psychoses. So, if you hear someone using the word "psychotic ," they
are probably referring to bizarre behaviors and symptoms such as
these.
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