Abstract
This paper discusses how clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. The paper contends that depression cannot be cured without the help of a medical professional and looks at treatment options such as medication and counseling.

From the Paper
"Studies have been linked that depression is hereditary throughout families. Depression that is associated with chemical imbalances can be hereditary because the chemical imbalances are a biological trait which can be passed generation to generation. If the family member suffered depression that was not chemically based, such as depression due to post traumatic stress, then it is unlikely that the depression is hereditary. Depression in and of itself is not, however, there are clear indications that bi-polar disease and some chemical imbalances of the brain are hereditary. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2007)"

Tags:bipolar, disorder, medication

Abstract
This paper discusses the condition of depression and the possible causes of its development. It analyzes techniques used for treating depression, such as electroconvulsive therapy, as well as drugs prescribed for depression, such as mirtazapine, vanlafaxine and duloxetine.

From the Paper
" Electroconvulsive therapy applies shock to cause a seizure (FamilyDoc.org, 2005). The seizure releases many chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, which deliver information or messages from one brain cell to another. This makes the brain cells work better and the person's mood will improve when brain cells and chemical messengers work better. In applying the therapy, the doctor first conducts a physical examination of the patient. If he or she is fit, an anesthesiologist applies anesthesia to put the patient in a sleep-like state. The anesthesiologist examines the heart and lungs of the patient or decides if some blood tests or an electrocardiogram will be needed before undertaking the first ECT treatment (FamilyDoc)."

Tags:psychology, neurotransmitters, chemical, electroconvulsive, therapy

Abstract
Major depressive disorder is classified under a larger group of related disorders of mood, which includes bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder and dysthymic disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) put forth the following criteria for diagnosing a major depressive disorder seen for at least two weeks must both manifest as an abnormal mood (depressed mood, anhedonia or irritable mood in children and adolescents) and meet at least three more criteria observed for at least two weeks: feeling of fatigue; slowing or agitation in carrying out activities; poor concentration; suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying and death; disproportionate guilt; loss of, or decrease in appetite or weight loss; increased or decreased sleep time (APA, 2000). A strong familial history may predispose an individual towards depression but is not part of the diagnostic criteria.

From the Paper
Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (Outline) I. Major features: abnormal mood; feeling of fatigue; slowing or agitation in carrying out activities; poor concentration; suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying and death; disproportionate guilt; loss of, or decrease in appetite or weight loss; increased or decreased sleep time (APA, 2000). II. Case Example: 32 year-old female initially complaining of back pain a. Mental Status Examination b. DSM-IV Multiaxial Evaluation III. Pharmacological Treatment: Duloxetine (Cymbalta^A'A(r))

Tags:mood, disorders, depression

Abstract
Postpartum depression is depression that appears shortly before to shortly after a woman has given birth. It can have negative effects on the woman's marriage and in fact on the entire family. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious, common, and treatable condition seen frequently in the primary care setting. This paper defines postpartum depression, discusses the causes behind it, details the range of symptoms, its diagnosis, treatment, and ways to help prevent it.

From the Paper
"Researchers and doctors know that women develop symptoms of depression about twice as often as men. It is believed that female hormones contribute to this in some way, as mood swings have been tied to variations in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, and the onset of menopause. Some experts also believe that the extra pressures in many women's lives as they juggle both jobs and home responsibilities, single motherhood, or caring for aged parents may contribute. It's very common for new mothers to experience mild and transient feelings of sadness, irritability or moodiness right after giving birth. When these symptoms are short-lived and not severe, they're often referred to as the "baby blues," and considered a normal variation in mood. "Baby blues" pass quickly and cause no significant problem for either the new mother or her family.

Tags:postpartum, depression, women, men, pregnancy, birth, mood, swings, menopause, baby blues

Abstract
"The postpartum period is a time of heightened risk for mood disorders and there is no more likely time that a woman could require psychiatric treatment (RNAO, 2005). Postpartum depression is one of the outstanding complications of childbirth since a high percentage of mothers experience serious or minor depression during the first few months postpartum. Many mothers are never identified as having depression and therefore are left to their own resources. Proper diagnosis along with immediate treatment is crucial and it is a major aspect of advocacy to ensure that screening, diagnosis, and treatment are all carried out. The complex nature of screening calls for advocacy that involves excellent clinical judgment, ability to identify core issues, and problem solving skills - all to be achieved in a holistic manner. Patient situation "

From the Paper
Advocacy in the Context of Postpartum Depression Introduction The postpartum period is a time of heightened risk for mood disorders and there is no more likely time that a woman could require psychiatric treatment (RNAO, 2005). Postpartum depression is one of the outstanding complications of childbirth since a high percentage of mothers experience serious or minor depression during the first few months postpartum. Many mothers are never identified as having depression and therefore are left to their own resources. Proper diagnosis along with immediate treatment is crucial and it is a major aspect of advocacy to ensure that screening,

Tags:advocacy, postpartum, depression

Abstract
This paper begins with a discussion of mood disorders, including clinical depression and bipolar disorder, and looks at their treatment. The paper then turns to ten defined types of personality disorders and their signs and symptoms. Similar characteristics present in all personality disorder sufferers are then identified. The paper notes that in many cases, the victim will refuse to recognize the problem and deny that he/she needs any treatment at all. The paper advises that in these cases, one must gently help the victim while taking care not to become a victim oneself.

Outline:
Introduction
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Where do mood and personality disorders come from? Why do some people suffer from them, while others are never affected? What is the difference between a "mood disorder" and a "personality disorder?" What are some examples of each, and what are their symptoms? Mental disorders are experienced by just about 44 million Americans annually (MD2). They are among the most common conditions attacking the health of our country today. Even so, the average person knows very little about them."

Tags:depression, bipolar, disorder, therapy, medication

Abstract
The paper discusses how mood disorders affect the lives of millions of people across the globe, and looks at the theories on what causes and affects the moods of people and what creates long term mood disorders in the individual. The paper explains how life events, stress, substance abuse and natural rhythms are only a few of the causes that have been suggested which lead to mood disorders. The paper also explains that these factors are considered significant in increasing the occurrence and prolonged affect of mood disorders.

From the Paper
"Mood disorders affect the lives of millions of people across the globe. Consequently, there are multitudes of theories that pertain to what causes and affects the moods of people and what creates long term mood disorders in the individual. Life events, stress, substance abuse and natural rhythms are only a few of the causes that have been suggested which lead to mood disorders. These factors are also considered significant in increasing the occurrence and prolonged affect of mood disorders."

Tags:mood, disorders, depression

Abstract
This paper examines depression as stemming from the highly stressful, intensely competitive nature of modern society. It points out that the physical, mental, and social state of well-being of millions of people is being harmed because of the destructive aspects of the natural, social, built, and economic spheres in which they live. The paper particularly examines the problems surrounding the increasing use of anti-depressants to treat depression, such as dependence, abuse, the drugs' possible harmful side effects, and exploitation by drug companies. The paper concludes that too many people turn to "wonder drugs" for help when they cannot deal with the emotional and psychological stress induced by society.

From the Paper
"In recent years, depression in young adults has been increasingly treated with prescription drug anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil. The increasing use of these prescription antidepressant drugs has several implications, for recent studies have shown that more than twenty percent of young adults in the general population have emotional problems and one-third of young adults attending psychiatric clinics suffer from depression. Just as troubling, depression in this age group is greatly under-diagnosed, which presents even more implications."

Tags:drugs, public, health, Prozac, Paxil, anti-depressants

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the different pharmacologic groups of antidepressants used in the treatment of mood disorders, particularly major depressive disorder. The general use and classifications of antidepressants are discussed along with their indications, contraindications, precautions and adverse effects, drug interactions, possible nursing diagnosis, assessment and relevant patient and family education topics.

From the Paper
"Antidepressants are a group of psychoactive medications that alleviate the signs and symptoms of mood disorders with a pre-dominantly depressive mood. By this definition, mood disorders such as bipolar disorders are medically managed differently. An understanding of the major mechanisms of action of these drugs can be best understood through understanding the pathogenesis of mood disorders. The prevailing theory of mood disorders, particularly major depressive disorder, lies in the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly the decrease in the monoamines serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, although the former has ..."

Tags:mood, disorders, antidepressants

Abstract
The paper is personal account of one person's battle with bi-polar disorder and his desire to combat the disorder without the use of medication. The paper's writer describes his struggle with the disorder and his eventual success. The paper was presented as an admissions essay for law school.

From the Paper
"Though I must admit, to most, this self-inflicted mental rehabilitation sounds more insane than the actual disorder, and there were several occasions where I thought someone else would be calling my mother to give her a final update on my condition, the end result was everything I hoped for and more. I still suffer bouts of depression and mania, but they do not impede my daily life; a few minor lifestyle adjustments in addition to what I learned those three months in Virginia turned debilitating mood swings into minor inconveniences. And I still here voices and noises if I am exhausted, but they have no more affect on me, as would a radio played in the background. Most importantly, I am no longer ashamed of my condition. I openly tell new friends and acquaintances so that they understand why on some days I am a cliche social butterfly and on others I am more reserved and introverted, or why on some nights I will be the last to bed and on others I am the first. I cannot honestly say I am glad to have gone through something like this, I would rather feel the way I did before the disorder's emergence. I can honestly say that I know now that no accomplishment is outside my grasp, and that adversity is best used as a motivation to achieve rather than as an excuse to fail.

Tags:drugs hospitalization depression mood swings, anxiety psychotic medication therapist treatment hallucinations compulsions paranoia