Mood Disorders - Research Paper Example

Other common types of mood disorders include substance-induced and alcohol-induced mood disorders (Carlson, 2007). The substance induced type is so-called if its origin may be traced to the physiologic effects of chemical substances or psychoactive drugs. This disorder may also coexist with withdrawal symptoms or substance intoxication. Alcohol abuse has an effect on the development of depression. The major depressive disorder is prevalent among heavy drinkers and people with alcoholism (Carlson, 2007).

Studies have shown that those indulging in alcohol abuse may be doing so in a bid to overcome a pre-existing depression (Carlson, 2007). Substance and alcohol abuse may be influenced by deviant peers, a partner’s criminal activities and substance abuse or situations like unemployment. Suicidal tendencies are common among these abusers. The exact cause of mood disorders is not well established (Gelder, 2005). However, chemicals are known as endorphins found in the brain contribute to positive moods.

On the other hand, other chemicals known as neurotransmitters regulate endorphins. It is believed that an imbalance of the two chemicals will lead to mood disorders and depression (Carlson, 2007). . Mood disorder symptoms are related to and reflected through a person’s feelings (Huffman, 2005). They often start out in the form of feelings of inadequacy or mild sadness experienced daily or once in a while. These are normal feelings but persisting for a long time may suggest a mood disorder.

At the onset of a mood disorder, the most notable symptom is depression, illustrated by changes in appetite, fatigue, body aches, and difficulty in concentrating or sleeping (Gelder, 2005). Irritability, aggression, and hostility usually accompany these feelings. As depression progresses, scary thoughts of suicide or harming others, including one’s own children, are experienced. Anxiety usually follows depression, where one experiences excessive and uncontrollable worry, fear of appearing in public and dizziness (Gelder, 2005).

All these feelings are more intense in people suffering mood disorders than what someone may normally experience from time to time. They are of more concern when they get in the way of a person’s interest in friends, family, work or community. Any indications of suicidal thoughts should be evaluated and addressed at the earliest. Because mood disorder symptoms will resemble those of most other psychiatric problems, a mental health professional or physician should be consulted for a comprehensive diagnosis (Gelder, 2005).

A physician determines an appropriate treatment for a mood disorder basing on the patient’s medical history, age and extent of the condition. The patient’s tolerance for the medications, therapies, and procedures also play a determining role in the choice of treatment.