In unipolar depression, only the depressive symptoms are present. Psychotic symptoms often complicate mania as well as depression. Reactive depression, sometimes called situational affective disorder, is a temporary condition triggered by life's problems. Should this condition persist, the affected individual should see a doctor to find out if it is becoming a major depression. To Family Education Manual suggests the risk factors for affective disorders within the family.
Anxiety disorders affect approximately seven to fifteen percent of the population.
One particular form, panic disorder, is characterized by recurrent panic attacks in which the person experiences dizziness, chest discomfort, choking and sweating. These attacks generally last only a few minutes, but anticipation of an attack and the subsequent fear of helplessness often complicate the problem. Other forms of anxiety disorders include fear of specific objects called phobias. A common phobia is agoraphobia, a fear of going out. Some people believe that the personality disorders, also called character disorders, do not constitute brain disorders, while others believe that, in their severe form they do.