All of us have mood swings. Some days we feel on top of the world, and other days we feel "down" and dejected. Some fluctuation in moods should be expected as a normal part of life, as we react to the events of the day or week. But a substantial minority of the population has what psychologists call a "mood disorder"—mood problems that are large enough to create difficulties for them in their jobs or their relationships.
There are two basic forms of mood disorder:
Major depressive episodes, in which the person experiences a deeply depressed mood (intense feelings of sadness and worthlessness) for two weeks or more, and also a loss of energy and motivation, a loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, sleep disturbances, thoughts of death, and significant appetite or weight changes.
Manic episodes, in which a person experiences a strikingly elevated mood (intense feelings of happiness, optimism, and enthusiasm) for several days or more, usually accompanied by a powerful urge to talk (fast and loud), a whirlwind of restless and reckless behavior, inflated self-esteem or sense of power, thoughts that jump from one idea to the next, and a decreased need for sleep.
A person whose life is disrupted by one or more manic episodes in addition to major depressive episodes would be said to have bipolar disorder. A person who has repeated major depressive episodes without manic episodes would be said to have major (or unipolar) depression.
But many people with mood disorders can still carry on the normal responsibilities of life. A person who experiences, over a period lasting at least two years, relatively mild manic episodes would be diagnosed as having cyclothymia. A person who experiences mild, persistent depression would be diagnosed as having dysthymia.
Here is an audio clip (about 50 seconds) of an actual patient with bipolar disorder. He is being interviewed by a psychiatrist during one of his manic episodes. Note the rapid speech and the flight of ideas from one topic to another.
Here is an audio clip (about 45 seconds) of an actual patient exhibiting the type of speech that is typical during a depressive episode. Note the slow speech, the flat tone of voice, the extrememly brief answers, and the general lack of interest in anything that is happening.
Select these web links to read more about the actual criteria for diagnosing mood disorders. Then return to this page to continue with the activity.
