What it means
A group of mental illnesses in which the main problem is the person's emotional state. The most common are major depressive disorderMAY-jer dih-PRES-iv dis-OR-derA mental illness in which a person has a low mood or loses interest in almost everything for at least two weeks.Full entry and bipolar disorderby-POH-ler dis-OR-derA mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.bi- twopol/o pole-ar having to do withFull entry ; others include persistent depressive disorder and seasonal patterns of depression. The change in mood is more severe and lasts longer than ordinary sadness or happiness, and it affects sleep, appetite, energy, work and relationships.
For the nurse
Ask about mood, sleep, appetite and interest in activities, and always ask directly about thoughts of suicide. Teach that treatment works, and that antidepressants and mood stabilizers can take weeks to help.
At a glance
| Spanish | trastorno del estado de ánimo |
|---|---|
| Also written | mood disorders |
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
depression
A mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.
major depressive disorder
A mental illness in which a person has a low mood or loses interest in almost everything for at least two weeks.
affective
Relating to feelings, emotions or mood.