Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, And Cyclothymic Disorder

Mood disorders are medical conditions that cause a disturbance in the affected individual’s mood and behavior. Psychiatric researchers have been unable to identify a single cause of mood disorders. Mood disorders have environmental, biological, and behavioral causes. Mood disorders have a genetic component. They are more prevalent in individuals who have a family history of mood disorders as compared to the general population.

There are two categories of mood disorders: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Some psychiatric professionals believe that the link between these categories is strong enough to warrant being considered a single disorder. They refer to this all-inclusive disorder as bipolar spectrum disorder. They see mood disorders as a continuum of symptoms, with severe major depression at one end and bipolar disorder with psychotic features at the other end of the spectrum. Although gaining in popularity, the use of the term “bipolar spectrum disorder” is not yet widely accepted.

Depressive disorders include major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, is the occurrence of depressive episodes. Someone with major depression may experience a single depressive episode or the depressive episodes can be recurrent. During a severe depressive episode, the individual may experience psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions.

Dysthymic disorder, sometimes called chronic depression, is a persistent state of being depressed. The symptoms of dysthymic disorder are not as severe as a depressive episode, but the depressed mood associated with dysthymia disorder lasts for a long time. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the criteria for a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder is a depressed mood that lasts most of the day, for more days than not for at least two years.

If after the first two years of dysthymic disorder, the patient experiences a depressive episode, the diagnosis may be changed to Major Depressive Disorder superimposed on Dysthymic Disorder. People with this diagnosis may have depressive episodes and return to a depressed-state of dysthymia between depressive episodes. They may not experience a normal, non-depressed mood while they struggle with this disorder.

Bipolar disorders recognized by the APA are: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar disorder NOS is used when a clinician suspects that the individual suffers from bipolar disorder, but the patient does not meet the criteria for a specific bipolar diagnosis.

Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of periods of hypomania and periods of depressive symptoms. The hypomanic symptoms are not as severe enough or don’t last long enough to be considered a manic episode. The depressive symptoms are not as severe enough or don’t last long enough to meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. These mood swings must last for at least two years to meet the criteria for cyclothymic disorder.

Mood disorders are commonly treated by antidepressant treatments, mood-stabilizing medications, and therapeutic methods. With proper treatments, most people who are diagnosed with a mood disorder can manage the symptoms and lead productive lives.

Next article: Bipolar Disorder Treatment