Mood Disorders

What Are Mood Disorders?

It is normal for your mood to change, and most people go through times of feeling sad. When these feelings last for a very long time or interfere with the quality of your life, you may have a mood disorder.  Mood disorders are also called Affective Disorders.  There are three main types of affective or mood disorders:

1. Major depression
2. Bipolar disorder – alternating episodes of depression and mania
3. Anxiety disorder

Although the exact causes are not fully understood, some factors that may contribute to the onset of these mood disorders are:

• an imbalance in brain chemicals 
• chronic stress or medical illness
• substance abuse 
• poor coping skills with life events 
• genetics and/or heredity factors

What Are The Symptoms, Common Problems And Issues Caused By Mood Disorders?

The symptoms for the primary mood disorders include the following:

Depression

• aches and pains that have no physical explanation
• difficulty concentrating
• feelings of guilt
• irritability or anxiety
• lack of interest in normal activities
• tiredness and lack of energy
• major changes in appetite and sleeping habits
• prolonged sadness
• suicidal thoughts

Bipolar Disorder:

• unusual and prolonged mood swings
• during depression:  symptoms similar to those for major depressive disorder
• during mania: need less sleep and feelings of exaggerated self-confidence, irritability, extreme energy, self-importance, impulsiveness, recklessness, or in severe cases delusions or hallucinations

Anxiety Disorders:

• constant worry
• irritability
• nausea
• obsessive thoughts
• restlessness
• shortness of breath and rapid heart rate
• sweating
• trembling
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty sleeping

Mood Disorders – What Has To Be Proven For You To Be Considered Disabled By Social Security?

Mood disorders are considered under Listing 12.00.  Generally, mood disorders must be accompanied by marked impact on multiple areas of a person’s life.  The greater the impact on a person’s ability to navigate their daily life, the greater the likelihood the mood disorder will either meet a listing or produce symptoms that preclude competitive employment.  If you suffer from a mood disorder and are unable to work, let Chad Brown Law help you get the benefits you need to survive and treat your severe condition.  Call today for a Free Case Evaluation at 336-962-5373.