Unusual experience of mood at least for two weeks is known as mood disorder. In actual, there is a group of psychological illnesses with distinguished features known as mood disorders. Mood disorders include: Major depressive disorder (Also called major depression), Bipolar disorder, Dysthymic dysorder, Cyclothynic disorder All these disorders need treatment, which may include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), mood disorder medication, natural antidepressants and diet modification. Now, we will consider the treatment for each of the disorder separately. Treatment of Major Depression There is adequate mood disorder information about the fact that depression responds to both the psychological and drug treatment. The choice of the treatment for depression depends on the local availability and patient’s preference. Severe depression may require electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as there is high risk of intractable suicide attempts. Drug treatment for depression include various mood disorder medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs), moclobemide and some newer antidepressants. TCAs are well-known as effective antidepressants. They inhibit the re-uptake of the amines and 5-HT at synaptic clefts. The effects of TCAs appear after two to three weeks from the beginning of the treatment. Though TCAs are effective in the treatment of depression, but they are notorious for their side effects. Anticholinergic effects, postural hypotension, seizures and cardio-toxicity are the major side effects caused by TCAs. SSRIs have less adverse effects than TCAs, but they still cause nausea, anorexia, headache and sexual dysfunction. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors block the metabolism of ...
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