Every one of us goes through ups and downs in our moods. Mood disorders have affected mankind from the beginning of records. Mood disorder is also clinically referred to as depression.

• Causes of mood disorders:

Although doctors are not really sure about reasons for mood disorders, research has proved that our brain is in charge of our positive as well as negative moods. Our brain is controlled by various chemicals and also neurotransmitters like: dopamine, histamine, serotonin, epinephrine, melatonin, glutamate and so on. All these neurotransmitters transmit, amplify and transform the signals within neurons; all this  is done with extreme care to preserve a delicate balance.

If anything goes wrong with this delicate balance of chemicals it results in mood disorder or depression. To put this in simple words – any unwanted or unexpected changes in life; like: losing a job or the death of a loved one can disturb this balance of chemicals for a short while.

• Symptoms of mood disorders:

Mood disorders can vary from person to person, however there are many common signs and symptoms. They can be listed as follows:

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and restlessness
• Persisting feelings of sadness
• Loss of  interest in things you loved most
• Decreased self esteem
• Downfall in energy level
• Sleeplessness or too much sleeping
• Thoughts of suicide
• Difficulty in concentration
• Difficulty in taking decisions
• Drastic change in appetite
• Guilty feelings

These are symptoms associated with mood disorders. If you find any 5 symptoms from this above list persisting for more than two weeks; you might be at risk of mood disorder or depression.

• Treatment for mood disorders:

It is of utmost importance that the mood disorder diagnosis is done correctly. Treatment for mood disorder in one person is not applicable to the other. Each case has a different line of treatment. The treatment may depend upon a few basic things as below:

• Age, medical history and general health
• Severity of symptoms
• Mood disorder type
• Tolerance of medications and also therapies
• Known cause of mood disorder
• Your preferred type of treatment

Mood disorders can be cured completely with the proper treatment. Treatment has to depend upon comprehensive evaluation of the patient and also of the family. Below are the types of treatment;

• Medications: To treat mood disorder various medications are available. With suitable medication mood disorder can be cured.
• Psychotherapy: This focuses on changing the thinking, views and surrounding environment, helping out in difficult relationships, etc.
• Family therapy: Family support is the most important part of the mood disorder treatment.

Mood disorder treatment may consist one or more of the above mentioned treatment types depending upon the need.