Affective disorders

Affective disorders are a set of psychiatric disorders, also called mood disorders. The main types of affective disorders are depression and bipolar disorder. Symptoms vary by individual and can range from mild to severe. A psychiatrist or other trained mental health professional can diagnose an affective disorder. This is done with a psychiatric evaluation. Affective disorders can be disruptive to your life. However, there are effective treatments available, including both medication and psychotherapy. In manic-depressive disorders, periods of mania and depression may alternate with abrupt onsets and recoveries. Depression is the more common symptom, often characterized by a dejected mood with disinterest in life, sleep disturbance, agitation, and feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Mania may be characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with hyperactivity, pressured speech, and inflated self-esteem. Many patients never develop a genuine manic phase, although they may experience a brief period of overoptimism and mild euphoria while recovering from a depression. The most extreme manifestation of mania is violence against others, while that of depression is suicide. Statistical studies have suggested that there is a hereditary predisposition to the disorder, which commonly appears for the first time in young adults.

Sources:

Ellen Ellis, M. (2020). Affective Disorders. Retrieved from: https://is.gd/BS05fm

Britannica. Affective disorder. Retrieved from: https://is.gd/ufTsKs