Mood disorders
Mood corresponds to the state of mind in which we are at a given moment and where a particular emotion predominates. Although popular language speaks of a “good” or “bad” mood, emotions are neither good nor bad, but can be pleasant, neutral or unpleasant.
What is it?
The emotions felt are then dependent on the interaction between our temperament and lived experiences (environment). When the magnitude of emotions – pleasant or not – leads to a loss of control over their experience and negative repercussions on the person's adaptation to their daily life activities (family life, work, leisure activities, etc.), the person may suffer from a mood disorder. Everyone can be affected at least once in their life by a mood disorder, the main representative of which is depression.
However, mood disorders include other equally disabling disorders:
Depression
Experienced in a profoundly sad mood with the presence of several other cognitive symptoms (decreased concentration, short-term memory, etc.) and/or physical symptoms (insomnia, weight loss, etc.);
Dysthymia
The individual appears to be experiencing attenuated depression, that is, the intensity of sadness and other symptoms is less, but the condition has lasted for at least two years without respite;
Bipolar affective illness (commonly called manic depression)
Periods of depression alternate with periods of great excitement, energy, euphoria or irritability which we call mania. These mood swings are uncontrollable and sometimes frequent;
Cyclothymia
The individual appears to be experiencing attenuated bipolar affective illness, that is, the intensity of sadness, euphoria and other symptoms is less, but the condition has lasted for at least two years without respite.
What are the main causes?
In the study of mood disorders, researchers have highlighted an imbalance of neurotransmitters (molecules regulating the overall activity of our brain). However, like all psychological conditions, mood disorders do not have a single cause. They are the consequence of a combination of bio-psycho-social factors (genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, stress factors) and environmental factors (addictions).
What psychotherapy interventions?
Mood disorder specialists agree to recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy.
The medication usually prescribed (antidepressants, mood regulators, etc.) aims to restore the balance between the different neurotransmitters. For the most serious conditions, studies agree that the combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy achieves the best results in terms of significantly reducing symptoms and improving the person's well-being.