Even at their most intense, however, symptoms of affective disorders are often misinterpreted as merely mood swings. Worse, affective disorders are sometimes considered personality flaws rather than real medical conditions. The truth is that mood disorders are treatable medical illnesses caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biochemical and environmental factors. Symptoms of major depression include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of energy, and problems with concentration and decision-making. Episodes of dysthymia resemble depression but are milder and often last longer.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating cycles of depression and mania.
Episodes of hypomania are typically shorter in length and less severe than mania. Cyclothymia is marked by cycles of low-level depression and hypomania. Women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression, while bipolar disorder occurs equally in women and men. Although the onset of these disorders can occur at any age, many individuals experience their first episode between the ages of 25 and 44. It is important that mood disorders be accurately diagnosed and treated.