Mood disorders are a category of psychiatric illnesses that affect one's general state or mood. While your mood may change from day-to-day or even within the same day, the mood swings related to psychiatric disorders and are more severe and debilitating. A person with illness may demonstrate that change from extremely sad and empty to excessively happy and manic, irrespective of circumstances. These disorders can be disruptive and affect one’s quality of life. Mood disorders may have a negative impact on our emotional wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, our occupational performance and social equiblibrium.
Amongst others, the most common mood disorders are Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
Major depression
Major depression or major depressive disorder is more than just sadness. This mood disorder is categorised by prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness, low mood and anxiousness. Those suffering from depression are often unaware of their condition. Because depression is often psychosomatic, affecting both the body and mind, those with depression may feel low in mood, feel tired, unable to think or be positive, have a loss of interest in activities and withdraw from their social environment. Patients can also present with pain symptoms. Some patients self-medicate with substances such as alcohol, analgesics containing codeine and recreational drugs.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, is a mood disorder in which one experiences drastic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. While there are two types of bipolar disorder, bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, they both include episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. Typically, someone with bipolar disorder will experience alternating periods of sadness and hopelessness or elation and energised moods. These are respectively known as depressive and manic episodes of bipolar disorder.
While the symptoms mentioned above are common among those with these mood disorders, a diagnosis of depression or bipolar should be made by a psychiatrist such as Dr Govender. Since these conditions can be a burden on daily life, it is essential that you see a mental health professional if you feel that you or someone you love may be experiencing these symptoms. Understand that these feelings you are experiencing can be managed, there is help, and you are not alone.
What are the possible treatment options?
During your consultation with Dr Govender, she will ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing. With a detailed understanding, she will diagnose and provide you with a detailed assessment. Dr Govender will assist you to understand your illness and plan the best individualised treatment option. Mood disorders are persistent, long-term and reoccurring. Treatment may involve a combination of medication and therapy. Medications such as mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and antidepressants may be used to improve your symptoms, manage episodes and help regulate the fluctuation in the mood so that you may achieve better quality of life. Dr Govender takes an individualised approach to medication choices and is cognisant of the side effects and challenges associated with chronic medication. As a compassionate specialist in her field, she offers a personalised approach to patient care and strives for a collaborative relationship with each patient. Dr Govender also prioritises a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and often collaborates with clinical psychologists. Adjunctive therapies may include mindfulness, lifestyle changes and exercise.
