top of page
Foggy Pier

MOOD DISORDERS

S MOOD DISORDERS: Image

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

​

Major Depressive Disorder is defined by a low or irritable mood that occurs for prolonged duration of time (more than 2 weeks). Such individuals may not be able to experience pleasure or lose interest in things they normally enjoy doing. They may also feel hopeless, helpless or worthless and experience fatigue. Typically, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite occurs. Although the opposite can occur i.e. sleeping more than usual  or eating more than usual "comfort feeding".

​

It is common for one’s mental faculties to be affected. Problems with memory and concentration often occur. Some individuals may:

  • forget where they leave things, experience difficulty finding words,

  • forget important steps in order to complete a task,

  • take longer to complete a task.

Less often the memory disturbance can be particularly severe where the afflicted individual  may fail to recollect people’s names or how to go about performing a task .i.e. Pseudodementia (pseudo loosely translated as 'not actually'. This condition mimics a serious disorder i.e Dementia, which is characterized by marked memory impairment among other symptoms. 

​

Suicide can range from just a thought of dying to a plan to end one’s life, or an actual attempt.

​

BIPOLAR DISORDER

​

Bipolar I Disorder (Mania)

Is characterized by a clear period of an abnormally elevated or irritable mood that persists for at least a week.

​

Other symptoms include:

Goal directed behavior: engaging in a behavior to achieve a particular objective e.g. studying, working or increased libido. 

Self-esteem: typically enhanced. For example, a normally conservative or shy individual will find it easier to socialize. 

Talkative: talk a lot more than usual or can’t stop talking.

Distractible: easily losing focus or jumping from one thing to another. This may be reflected in their conversation and/or actions.

Activities associated with potential harm: e.g. spending money they don’t have or sexual indiscretions.

Psychosis: it is not uncommon for such individuals to experience psychotic symptoms. Psychosis is when a person is not in touch with reality. For e.g. believing that they have won a huge sum of money in the lottery.


Bipolar II Disorder (Hypomania)

This condition is similar to Mania, however the  the intensity and duration is much less. The duration is at least 4 days. Psychotic episodes do not occur in Hypomania.

S MOOD DISORDERS: Text

Call 072 739 7409 for an appointment

bottom of page