The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (“DSMR-IV-TR”) may be a familiar tool to the field of psychology: it is not however to the layman. To that end, for the purpose of this article a simplified definition of Mood Disorder will be provided by allpsych.com:
“Mood Disorders
Common Characteristics
The disorders in this category include those where the primary symptom is a disturbance in mood. In other words, inappropriate, exaggerated, or limited range of feelings. Everybody gets down sometimes, and everybody experiences a sense of excitement and emotional pleasure. To be diagnosed with a mood disorder, your feelings must be to the extreme. In other words, crying, and/or feeling depressed, suicidal frequently. Or, the opposite extreme, having excessive energy where sleep is not needed for days at a time and during this time the decision making process in [sic] significantly hindered.”[Emphasis Added].
The cluster of Mood Disorders includes:
(See, also, your Examiner’s specific article re: same @: http://www.examiner.com/mental-health-in-toronto/surviving-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad).
- BiPolar Disorder;
- Bipolar II;
- Cyclothymic;
- Clinical Depression;
- Dysthymia;
- Major Depression;
- Postpartum Depression; and
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: (“SAD”) -
Rather than try to disseminate the clinical diagnostic criteria of the DSMR-IV-TR,your Examiner has attached a direct link for your reference to the Diagnostic Dictionary located @ Psychology Today:http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions. The link is being provided in the event you have been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder or, you yourself, instinctively suspect there is something off kilter about your moods. It is not meant, however, to act as a guide for self-treatment and a diagnosed Mood Disorder should be properly clinically treated with the assistance of a Ph.D. Psychologist for a definitive treatment plan.
While we all experience mood shifts when same become a pattern, our mind and often body, is sending us signals be they related to a physical or psychological obstacle both of which need to be investigated and ultimately, properly addressed and treated.
“Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
All articles are © of Corinne Isaacs-Frontiero, 2011 and All Rights are Reserved.
Regarding your Examiner: Corinne writes, also, as the Toronto Military Children Examiner and maintains a previous Divorce Support column including articles on Divorce, dating and parenting. See Corinne Frontiero @ Google, or follow Corinne via Twitter: http://twitter.com/cfrontiero/favorites.
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