Mood Disorders

Is characterized by at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or a loss of pleasure in most activities. In addition, individual must have a least four of the symptoms listed below: a change in appetite, sleep disturbance, reslessness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty thinking, suicidal ideation.

Is characterized by mood that is abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable that persists for a minimum of 1 week.  In addition, the individual has at least three of the following symptoms: grandiosity, less need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, easily distracted, psychomotor agitation or increased goal-oriented behavior, & involvement in activities that are likely to result in negative consequences.

Involves symptomology that persists for a minimum of 1 week and meets the criteria for a Manic Episode and a Major Depressive Episode. Symptoms are not the result of a substance or a medical condition and they cause significant impairment in functioning.

Involves symptom similar to those associated with a Manic Episode but are less extreme. Even though the symptom are accompanied by a change in functioning, the episode does not cause significant impairment in functioning.  The symptoms are not the direct result of a substance or a medical condition.

Involves a minimum of one Major Depressive Episode.

Are commonly prescribed for depression.

Tricyclics, selective serotoin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's), MAO inhibitors and atypical antidepressants (Serzone, Trazodone, Wellburtin). 

Is a treatment of last resort for severe and chronic depressive symptoms.

Is the most popular and typically the most effective in the treatment of depression. It emphasis is placed on dicussing thoughts and behaviors associated with depression.

Requires a minimum of 2 years of depressed mood (1 year in children and adolescents) in combination with other depressive symptoms for the diagnosis to be given. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medication.

Is a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

Involves a minimum of 1 Manic or Mixed Episode and will usually have Major Depressive Episodes.

Involves a minimum of one Major Depressive episode and at least one Hypomanic episode.

Mood stabiliers (Lithium, Tegretol, Depakote) have been the first line of treatment in the past and are still used but not as first line treatment. Atypical antipsychotics (Geodon, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Abilify, Seroquel) are more frequently prescribed because they can provide greater symptom relief but have greater side effect and are more expensive.

Is characterized by rapid shifts between Hypomanic Episodes and depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for Major Depressive Episode. The symptoms must persist for a minimum of two years (1 years in children and adolescents). There is no clear treatment of choice for it.