Mood Disorders

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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