Effects of Mood Disorder

A mood disorder is defined under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) as a group of diagnoses where disturbance in the mood is the fundamental feature. Mood disorders can be divided into two major categories mainly depressive disorders, which are the better-researched and well-known type, and commonly known as clinical depression and anxiety relief. The other as bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression that includes periods of mania (intense happiness) followed by bouts of depression.

Mood Disorder Information

The effects of mood disorders are varied. People suffering from bipolar disorder or depression tend to experience a range of symptoms and feelings that not only affect them but also lead to negative effects on those close to them. For example if a parent is suffering from depression than this can affect the parent’s ability to take care for his child as mood disorders tend to alter a person’s mood drastically. This is not to say that the parent is incapable of parenting but rather that their parenting skills might be negatively influenced.

Mood Disorder Symptoms

The most common effects of mood disorders include; persistent feeling of sadness, decreased energy, excessive guilt, sleep disturbance characterized by insomnia or hypersomnia and changes in weight and appetite. In mood disorders, a person’s feelings appear to be more intense than they generally are and usually tend to prolong over a period. The effects of mood disorders or anxiety attack may resemble other psychiatric condition and can thus lead to problems in diagnosis. It is always preferable that a physician is consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Mood Disorder Treatments

The treatments for mood disorders are based on a number of factors including the patient’s age, medical history, type of mood disorder and extent of condition. It has been seen that mood disorders can be effectively treated but the treatment should only be started once a comprehensive evaluation on the type and symptoms has been carried out.

Herbal Supplements for Mood Disorders

Along with psychiatric drugs, various natural and herbal remedies are available for the treatment of mood disorder. Homeopathic remedies such as Tarentula and Hyoscyamus are said to be very helpful and may safely be used together with psychiatric medication without adverse effect. Certain herbal supplements for mood disorder like Anger Soothe and Sad Soothe are also available to cure irritability and aggression associated with mood disorders.

One of the most common and popular herbal supplement for mood disorders is called St. John’s Wort which is a remedy for people suffering from low to moderate depression. This supplement is helpful in balancing the chemical imbalances in the brain by using two substances namely hypercin and hyperforin.

Ginkgo Biloba is another herbal remedy for mood disorder, which increases the flow of blood to the brain and improves energy and memory while trying to reduce anxiety. This supplement is especially useful for people above the age of 60 as it helps in boosting a receptor in the brain that is age related.

Despite the benefits of herbal supplements for mood disorder, it is advised that patients must first consult a psychiatrist before taking any herbal or natural remedy.