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  • What We Treat
    • Anti-Social Personality Disorder
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What Are Major Affective Disorders?

Major affective disorders are mental conditions that change the way we think. Read on to learn more.

Major affective disorders, also known as mood disorders, are mental conditions that can alter the way an individual thinks, feels, or believes. They can occur as the result of a variety of causes, ranging from genetic causes to lifestyle.1

There are also several different types of mood disorders. As a result, they are some of the most common types of mental disorders.2

How Common Are Major Affective Disorders?

There are two main types of major affective disorder: major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder. These will be detailed below:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder, also known as depression, is one of the most common types of major affective disorders. In the United States, MDD affects an estimated sixteen million adults yearly. In terms of affecting mood, depression can lead to chronic, lingering feelings of sadness. This can also cause fatigue, lack of interest in daily life, and other symptoms.
  • Bipolar Disorder: The other main form of major affective disorder is bipolar disorder. There are actually several subcategories of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar I and bipolar II. However, overall, bipolar disorder affects around 4.4% of adults in the United States. While these two disorders are the most commonly seen forms of major affective disorder, they aren’t the only types.4

Causes of Major Affective Disorders

Like with many types of mental disorders, there is no single cause for major affective disorders. However, researchers have been able to pinpoint several different possible causes. Some of the causes of major affective disorders include:

  • Chemical imbalances
  • Brain structure
  • Genetics
  • Life events and changes
  • Physical illness

Types of Major Affective Disorders

As mentioned previously, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are some of the most commonly seen types of major affective disorders. However, they are not the only types. There are almost a dozen other types of mood disorders, some of which include:

  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Cyclothymic disorder
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
  • Depression related to medical illness
  • Depression induced by substance use or medication

Risk Factors

Many of the different types of major affective disorder are genetic, which means that they can be inherited from parents or other close family members. They can also manifest on their own in some cases.

However, others, such as depression related to medical illness or substance use, are what are known as co-occurring disorders. Mood disorders in this instance occur as the result of another medical or mental illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Major Affective Disorders

Because major affective disorders are all separate disorders, they have their own signs and symptoms. However, in order to be classified as a mood disorder, each individual disorder will need to show signs of having an impact on mood and emotional health. As a result, some of the most notable signs and symptoms of major affective disorders include:

  • Depression
  • Lack of interest
  • Mood changes or mood swings
  • Increased irritability

When To Seek Professional Help ​

You should seek the help of a professional if a major affective disorder is impacting your daily life. Mood disorders like depression can make it difficult to enjoy day-to-day life. Some of the most notable symptoms are fatigue and loss of motivation or interest. As a result, seeking professional help can help restore interest and make connecting with loved ones easier, as well as to help mitigate other symptoms as well.

It is also important to seek professional help if you or a loved one experience symptoms of a mood disorder that involve dangerous or violent outbursts, either towards yourself or others.

Diagnosis of Major Affective Disorders

Major affective disorders require a diagnosis from a certified mental healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist or experienced general healthcare practitioner. However, there is no single test used to determine whether or not a mood disorder is present. Instead, your healthcare provider will walk through several different procedures and guidelines in determining a diagnosis.

How Are Major Affective Disorders Diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing a major affective disorder is to conduct a physical examination. While it may seem out of place to focus on a physical examination when dealing with a mental disorder, this allows for the provider to determine whether or not there is a potential physical cause for symptoms. This can include injury or even certain nutritional deficiencies.

Next, the healthcare provider will look into family and personal history, including substance use and medications. This helps establish a context for personal health, which is important because mood disorders can arise from genetics or lifestyle. Lastly, your doctor will provide a diagnosis based on signs and symptoms as well as additional observations, along with steps on how to move forward.

Treatment for Major Affective Disorders

Major affective disorders can be difficult to navigate. Not only can they take a toll on your mental and physical health, but they can also make it difficult to connect with loved ones and enjoy daily life. However, there are treatments available.

Can Mood Disorders Be Prevented?

Most mental disorders cannot be prevented. However, certain types of major affective disorders can. Seeking treatment for substance use disorders, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and speaking to your doctors about your medications and their interactions can help prevent, or at least mitigate symptoms of, mood disorders that are not caused by genetics.

Major Affective Disorders Treatment Options

While certain major affective disorders can be prevented, there are also treatment options available for those that cannot. This includes certain medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, as well as psychotherapy.

Contact a Therapist Now at Pacific Beach Health

Fostering positive mental health and navigating major affective disorders can be difficult. However, at Pacific Beach Health, you’ll find a welcoming environment designed to target concerns and guide you through mood disorder treatment.

Our team features specialists with experience in several areas, and our method utilizes a unique ecopsychology approach that takes advantage of the beautiful beaches and wilderness areas nearby. We believe that focusing on emotional as well as spiritual health through science-backed therapies is the first step in restoring balance and peace to you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more.

References:
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/major-affective-disorder#:~:text=Abstract,recurrent%20episodes%20of%20mood%20alterations.
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558911/
  3. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
  4. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder

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