Types of psychological disorder
A psychological disorder is a condition
characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychopathology is the study of
psychological disorders, including their symptoms, etiology (i.e., their causes), and treatment. There are
many types of psychological disorders.
1. Mood disorder
Mood disorders are characterized by a serious change in mood from depressed to elevated feelings
causing disruption to life activities. Depressive disorder is characterized by overall feelings of desperation
and inactivity. Elevated moods are characterized by mania or hypomania. The cycling between both
depressed and manic moods is characteristic of bipolar mood disorders. In addition to type and subtype
of mood, these disorders also vary in intensity and severity. For example, dysthymic disorder is a lesser
form of major depression and cyclothymic disorder is recognized as a similar, but less severe form of
bipolar disorder.
If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your
circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable
(depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania).
The disorders in this category include those where the primary symptom is a disturbance in mood. The
disorders include Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Cyclothymia.
1) Major Depression (also known as depression or clinical depression) is characterized by
depressed mood, diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed, weight disturbance,
sleep disturbance, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, and often includes feelings of
hopelessness and thoughts of suicide.
2) Dysthymia is often considered a lesser, but more persistent form of depression. Many of the
symptoms are similar except to a lesser degree. Also, dysthymia, as opposed to Major
Depression is steadier rather than periods of normal feelings and extreme lows.
3) Bipolar Disorder(Manic-Depression is characterized by periods of extreme highs (called
mania) and extreme lows as in Major Depression.
4) Cyclothymia: Like Dysthymia and Major Depression, Cyclothymia is considered a lesser form
of Bipolar Disorder.
