Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders

1. Definition Mood disorders are mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of extreme emotions such as happiness, sadness, anxiety, or irritability. They can affect a person's mood, behavior, and ability to function in daily life.

2. Causes / Etiology Mood disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. They may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, medication, or substance abuse. Some people may be more prone to mood disorders due to their family history or brain chemistry.

3. Types or Classification

• Unipolar Depression: Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
• Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Characterized by a milder form of bipolar disorder with periods of hypomania and depression.
• Dysthymic Disorder: Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem.
• Mood Disorder Due to a Medical Condition: Characterized by mood changes caused by a medical condition such as hypothyroidism or multiple sclerosis.

4. Pathology Step 1 → The brain's neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play a crucial role in regulating mood. Step 2 → Imbalance of these neurotransmitters can lead to mood disorders. Step 3 → Genetic factors can affect the production and regulation of these neurotransmitters. Step 4 → Environmental factors such as stress and trauma can also contribute to mood disorders. Step 5 → In some cases, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can affect mood.

5. Clinical Features General features:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or happiness
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue

Specific features:

• Manic episodes: feeling overly happy, talkative, and impulsive
• Depressive episodes: feeling sad, hopeless, and disconnected from reality

6. Complications Acute complications:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Aggressive behavior
• Poor physical health

Chronic complications:

• Social isolation
• Relationship problems
• Job loss
• Poor self-esteem

7. Diagnosis / Investigations Routine tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Electrolyte panel
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid function tests

Special tests:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Psychiatric evaluation

8. Management General management:

• Psychotherapy
• Social support
• Stress management
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet

Modern treatment:

• Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Dietary advice:

• Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoid sugary and processed foods
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Aurum metallicum: • Feeling of sadness and hopelessness • Loss of interest in activities • Fatigue and lethargy • Irritability and mood swings • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Ignatia amara: • Sudden changes in mood • Feeling of sadness and loss • Anxiety and irritability • Loss of interest in activities • Difficulty concentrating

• Natrum muriaticum: • Feeling of sadness and hopelessness • Loss of interest in activities • Fatigue and lethargy • Irritability and mood swings • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Phosphoric acid: • Feeling of sadness and hopelessness • Loss of interest in activities • Fatigue and lethargy • Irritability and mood swings • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Sepia: • Feeling of sadness and hopelessness • Loss of interest in activities • Fatigue and lethargy • Irritability and mood swings • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors