Genetic Mood Disorders
Bipolar affective disorder
Definition:Bipolar affective disorder is a mood disorder characterized by mood swings from mania (exaggerated feeling of well-being, stimulation, and grandiosity in which a person can lose touch with reality) to depression (overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and low self-worth, which can include suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts).
Alternative Names:Bipolar disorder; Manic depressive illness
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:The disorder...
Read moreMore information on "Genetic Mood Disorders"
From Our Experts
Does Bipolar Disorder Run in the Family?
There's no doubt that there is a genetic component to the risk of developing mental illnesses. Several studies have confirmed this. It's... Read more »
Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia
There is a close relationship between bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. These three conditions share genetic... Read more »
Can I "Catch" a Mood Disorder?
My husband suffers from bipolar disorder, and I have recently found myself becoming increasingly depressed. It almost feels as though his... Read more »
Treating Mood Disorders: Should We Rattle The Cage?
Although we continue to distinguish between various mood states the sad fact is most people diagnosed with a mood disorder problem... Read more »
Live From the APA Annual Meeting, First Dispatch: Cognition, Sleep...
It’s Sunday morning in San Diego. Yesterday afternoon I rolled into town to register for the American Psychiatric Association annual... Read more »
From Our Sources
Mood Disorders Often Undiagnosed in U.S. Children
Researchers from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health say many U.S. children who suffer from depression and anxiety are not getting the... Read more »
Are creativity and mood disorders linked?
Experts say there have been more than 20 studies that suggest an increased rate of bipolar and depressive illnesses in highly creative people. But... Read more »
Dealing With Mood Disorders and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer'...
People afflicted with Alzheimer's disease find it increasingly difficult to deal with constant changes brought about by every stage of the disease.... Read more »
New Survey May Help Diagnosis of Mood Disorders
A single-page questionnaire called the My Mood Monitor (M-3) may help primary care doctors diagnose mood disorders such as post-traumatic stress... Read more »
Genes, Mood Disorders Link Depression and Obesity
Previous studies have found that people who carry excess weight are at greater risk for chronic pain. Now scientists have found that chronic pain and... Read more »
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
