Depressive Disorders. 

A mood disorder is a type of mental health condition where there is a disconnect between actual life circumstances and the person's state of mind or feeling. Mood disorders negatively affect ones ability to function within personal, psychosocial and occupational domains. While anyone can feel sad or depressed at times, mood disorders are more intense, last longer and are much more difficult to manage than normal feelings of sadness.

'Mood Disorders' include: 
(1) Major Depressive Disorder - the most common type of clinical depression people face. It refers to when depressive symptoms last for more than two weeks.
(2) Chronic Depression or Persistent Depressive Disorder- this form of clinical depression lasts longer and is diagnosed when someone’s been experiencing symptoms most days for at least two years.
(3) Seasonal Depression- where feelings of sadness and tiredness can occur in yearly cycles depending on the weather patterns around them. Usually it will affect people during winter months, and lift during spring and summer. It’s more common in cold climates which experience less daylight during winter months.
(4) Bipolar Disorder(s)- where individuals experience prolonged major depression followed by episodes of hypomania/mania. 

In their lifetimes, about one in five Australians will experience clinical depression. Around the world, depression affects around 300 million people and is the most commonly experienced mental health challenge for young people aged between 12-25 years old.

Mood disorders do not discriminate! Anyone can develop a mood disorder irrespective of race, sex, upbringing and socioeconomic circumstances. However, there are some risk factors that can make some more susceptible than others for developing a mood disorder. This includes:
Genetic factors: having a close family member, such a parent or sibling, with a mood disorder can increase the risk.
Drug and alcohol abuse: alcohol and illicit drug use can trigger major depressive episodes, manic episodes and even psychosis. 
Other biological factors: chronic medical conditions and/or hormonal changes can trigger major depressive episodes.
Early life environment: negative childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect increases the risk of developing mood disorders. 
Trauma and stress: in adulthood, traumatic life events or ongoing stress such as social isolation, domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial or work problems can increase the risk of developing a mood disorder. Additionally, the stress of other mental illnesses such as PTSD, OCD, eating disorders and ADHD can cause the onset of depressive disorders. 
Personality factors: some traits such as neuroticism, perfectionism or low self-esteem can increase the risk of depression or anxiety.

Depending on age and the type of mood disorder, a person may have different symptoms when they become depressed. The following are the most common symptoms of a mood disorder:
- Ongoing sad, numb, anxious, or “empty” mood.
- Feeling like a burden to others, hopeless or helpless, not good enough.
- Low self-esteem and confidence. 
- Feeling inadequate, like a failure.
- Excessive guilt (often irrational). 
- Difficulty attending to every day tasks such as hygiene, grooming, dressing etc. 
- Disinterest in activities previously enjoyed. 
- Relationship problems and reduced libido. 
- Difficulty getting to sleep and/or staying asleep Vs sleeping too much. 
- Changes in appetite or weight. 
- Decreased energy and motivation. 
- Trouble focusing and making decisions. 
- Frequent and unexplainable physical complaints such as headaches or stomach-aches.  
- Withdrawal and/or avoidance of others, including loved ones. 
- Increased sensitivity to failure or rejection.
- Irritability, hostility, or aggression.
- Repeated thoughts of death or suicide, planning for death, or wishing to die.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above for two weeks or more, please talk to your doctor and or a trusted adult. Other readily available services can be found here.

DHP can asses individuals for mood disturbance and depressive disorders.
DHP accepts self-referrals, GP referrals, DVA, EAP and Mental Health Care Plans under Medicare.
DHP psychologists are experienced in the provision of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-Based CBT, Problem-Solving Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy; the preferred evidenced based treatment modalities (level 1) as per the Australian Psychological Society's treatment guidelines.

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