Depression and Mania are mood disorders. These are characterized by disturbances in mood or prolonged maladaptive emotional state.

The main types of mood disorders include:

1. Depression 2. Mania

3. Biopolar Disorder

Depression may get manifested as a symptom of a disorder or a major disorder in itself.

1. Major depressive disorders are defined as a period of depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, together with other symptoms which may include.

Symptoms of Depression:

• Loss of energy, great fatigue.

• Change in body weight,

• Constant sleep problems.

• Tiredness.

• Inability to think clearly.

• Agitation.

• Greatly slowed behaviour.

• Thoughts of death and suicide.

• Breakup in relationship.

• Negative self-concept.

• No interest in pleasurable activities.

• Other symptoms include excessive quilt or feelings of worthlessness. Factors Predisposing towards Depression:

• Genetic make-up

Heredity is an important risk factor for major depression and bipolar disorders.

• Age is also a risk factor. For instance, women are particularly at risk during young adulthood, while for men the risk is highest in early middle age.

• Gender also plays a great role in this differential risk addition. For example, women in comparison to men are more likely to report a depressive disorder.

• Situational factors like negative life event, lack of social support and not able to live up to expectations etc. are few examples.

2. Mania:

Symptoms of mania.

• Increase in activity level.

• Euphoric.

• Excessively talkative.

• Easily distracted.

• Impulsive.

• Less than usual amount of sleep.

• Inflated self esteem.

• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities.

3. Biopolar Disorders:

Mood disorder, in which both mania and depression are alternately present, is sometimes interrupted by periods of normal mood. This is known as bipolar mood disorder. (Bipolar mood disorders were earlier referred to as manicdepressive disorders.)

• It is cyclic in nature.

• In bipolar disorders, depression alternates with periods of mania, and shows behaviour that is quite opposite to depression.

• In the manic state, the individual turns megalomaniac. Person develops grandiose cognitions and doesn't consider the negative consequences before acting on these grandiose plans.

• Speech is often rapid, as if she has to say as many words as possible in the time allotted.

• The risk of a suicide attempt is highest in case of bipolar mood disorders.