Bipolar spectrum disorders include bipolar type I, bipolar type II and cyclothymia. Mood disorders are more common in single, divorced and separated people. There is no correlation with social class. Genetics, family history, personality factors, environmental stress and biological disturbances or imbalance of neurotransmitters all may play a role in the onset of depression. Studies indicate that about one-third of medical residents have a clinically diagnosable depression at some time during their residencies.
Major depression is episodic with normal function between episodes.
The characteristic symptoms of depression include depressed mood and changes in appetite and sleep. Typical depression involves decreased appetite with weight loss and insomnia, while atypical depression involves overeating, weight gain and hypersomnia. The affected individual may experience decreased ability to concentrate, increased irritability, inability to make decisions, fatigue or loss of energy, diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. The affected individual may attempt to self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs. Dysthymic Disorder Chronic depressed mood experience on most days for more than two years Less dramatic quality can lead to under diagnosis Dysthymic disorder involves a chronic depressed mood experience on most days for more than two years.