Preoccupation with failures, shortcomings, or excessive guilt

Feelings of worthlessness

Loss of interest in daily activities

Avoidance of friends and formerly enjoyable activities

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Suicidal thoughts

Change in appetite; poor appetite or overeating

Decreased sex drive

Difficulty sleeping or an increase in the amount of sleep needed

Either agitation or a loss of energy

Excessive concerns about physical complaints

Crying easily or feeling like crying, but being unable to do so

Irritability or hostility

Possible psychotic symptoms

Unipolar Affective Disorder (Depression) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (Manic-Depression) are disorders affecting mood and emotion

Depressive Illness is characterized by a pervasive sadness far worse than the ordinary “blues”

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by cyclic periods of depression and mania

Both illnesses are often accompanied by anxiety and other disorders

Mood disorders are caused by a variety of biological, psychological, interpersonal, and genetic factors

Although there is no known cure for either illness, most people can be helped with medication and/or some form of psychotherapy

It is conservatively estimated that 1.5% of the population have had Bipolar Disorder and that 10% have had Unipolar Disorder. Over 80% of those affected will go untreated

15% of people who have a significant mood disorder commit suicide

Rapid unpredictable mood changes or extreme irritability

Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem

Boundless energy, enthusiasm, and need for activity

Feeling like “the life of the party”

Racing thoughts and flights of ideas without logical conclusions

Rapid, loud, disorganized speech

Overspending

Diminished need for sleep

Increased sex drive and indiscretions

Impaired judgement

Over-reaction to stimuli

Risk taking and a feeling of power

Short-tempered, argumentative behaviour

Impulsive and erratic behaviour

Possible delusional thinking