Disorders of mood are categorised in the International Classification of Diseases published by the World Health Organisation under the heading of Affective Disorders. These include Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Affective Disorders (previously known as Manic Depressive Psychosis or simply Manic Depression), Recurrent Mania, Rapid Cycling Mood Disorder (where there are fluctuations between depression and mania occurring within a short time frame) and Mixed Affective States (where there are symptoms more traditionally categorised under depression co-existing with acute mania). These are a debilitating group of diseases which untreated can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of those who suffer from the disorder.

Affective Disorders are common, with a lifetime risk for Major Depression in the region of 5% of the population and a lifetime risk for Bipolar Disorder in the region of 1.5% of the population. One report has suggested that more than 750,000 people in the UK suffer from one or other of the variants of Bipolar Disorder. The World Health Organisation projects that depressive disorder will by 2020 become the second largest cause of disability, second only to ischaemic heart disease. During the depressed phase there is frequently a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, a tendency to withdraw from society and even from loved ones. For those trying to care for patients with depression this can be a very distressing experience. The manic phase is characteristically portrayed as a period of euphoria. In reality this is rarely the case. People often act out of character, can be impulsive and show a disregard to common dangers. They are frequently irritable and may well cause great damage to relationships as a result of their behaviour. Tragically up to 15% of patients with Bipolar Disorder will die by suicide. The good news is that this is a treatable condition. The vast majority of people will respond to treatment and in many cases the illness can be completely controlled by the right combination of medication and therapy. Bipolar Disorder rarely remits and most sufferers will need to continue with medication lifelong. It is therefore essential that they obtain the best possible treatment in order to obtain the greatest benefit with the fewest side effects. An essential part of treatment is the development of a longstanding relationship with the treatment team so that any difficulties can be quickly addressed and any relapses rapidly treated.

 

[Read about "The Mood Cycle"]

 

 

[Home]