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Types of Mood Disorders and Their Symptoms  Suicidal thoughts

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that
primarily affect a person’s emotional state, leading 4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
to periods of intense sadness (depression) or A type of depression that occurs seasonally, usually
elevated mood (mania/hypomania). Below are the during winter due to reduced sunlight exposure.
major types of mood disorders along with their Symptoms:
symptoms.  Fatigue and low energy
 Increased sleep (hypersomnia)
 Craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight
Who do mood disorders affect? gain
 Depressed mood and social withdrawal
Mood disorders can affect anyone, including  Lack of motivation
children, adolescents and adults.

Major depression is twice as likely to affect women. 5. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
affecting mood.
Symptoms:
1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)  Severe mood swings
A severe form of depression that affects daily  Irritability or anger
functioning.  Anxiety and tension
Symptoms:  Fatigue
 Persistent sadness or emptiness  Depression
 Loss of interest or pleasure in activities  Difficulty concentrating
(anhedonia)  Sleep disturbances
 Fatigue or low energy  Physical symptoms (bloating, breast
 Changes in appetite (weight gain or loss) tenderness, headaches)
 Sleep disturbances (insomnia or
hypersomnia) 6. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt (DMDD)
 Difficulty concentrating or making decisions A childhood disorder characterized by severe and
 Suicidal thoughts or attempts frequent temper outbursts.
Symptoms:
2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)  Chronic irritability
A chronic form of depression lasting for at least two  Severe temper outbursts (verbal or physical
years. aggression)
Symptoms:  Outbursts occur at least three times per
 Continuous low mood or sadness week
 Low self-esteem  Persistent anger between outbursts
 Difficulty concentrating  Symptoms must be present for at least 12
 Changes in appetite and sleep patterns months
 Fatigue
 Hopelessness
 Irritability Causes of Mood Disorders
1. Biological Factors – Imbalances in
3. Bipolar Disorder neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin,
A disorder characterized by alternating episodes of dopamine, norepinephrine).
mania/hypomania and depression. 2. Genetic Factors – Family history increases
Types: the risk.
 Bipolar I Disorder – At least one full manic 3. Environmental Factors – Trauma, abuse,
episode (may include depressive episodes). or major life stressors.
 Bipolar II Disorder – At least one 4. Hormonal Imbalances – Thyroid disorders,
hypomanic episode and one major pregnancy, or menopause.
depressive episode. 5. Neurochemical Dysfunction – Changes in
 Cyclothymic Disorder – Frequent mood brain structure and function.
swings with hypomanic and depressive
symptoms, but not as severe as full Risk Factors
episodes.  Family history of mood disorders.
Symptoms of Mania (Bipolar I):  Chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes,
 Elevated or irritable mood cardiovascular disease).
 Increased energy and restlessness  Substance abuse.
 Decreased need for sleep  High stress levels or traumatic experiences.
 Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity  History of childhood abuse or neglect.
 Impulsive behavior (risky spending,  Certain medications (e.g., steroids, hormonal
substance abuse, sexual activity) treatments).
 Racing thoughts and rapid speech
Symptoms of Mood Disorders
 Depressive Symptoms:
Symptoms of Hypomania (Bipolar II): o Persistent sadness or hopelessness
 Milder version of mania o Loss of interest in activities
 Increased energy and confidence o Changes in appetite and sleep
 Less need for sleep patterns
 Mild impulsivity (but not as severe as mania) o Fatigue or low energy
Symptoms of Bipolar Depression: o Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
 Similar to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)  Manic Symptoms (in Bipolar Disorder):
 Fatigue, sadness, and loss of interest in o Excessive energy, restlessness, or
activities irritability
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Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A
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o Decreased need for sleep  High norepinephrine →

o Risky behaviors (e.g., impulsive Seen in mania and anxiety
spending, unsafe sex) disorders.
o Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
o Rapid speech and racing thoughts o Treatment: SNRIs (Serotonin-
Norepinephrine Reuptake
Inhibitors) (e.g., venlafaxine,
duloxetine) and Norepinephrine-
Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors
Diagnosis (NDRIs) (e.g., bupropion) help
 Clinical Interview & History – Assessment regulate mood by balancing NE
of symptoms, family history, and levels.
psychosocial factors.
 Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5) – Evaluation 3. Dopamine (DA)
of symptoms for at least two weeks
(depression) or one week (mania). o Function: Controls pleasure,
 Psychological Tests – Beck Depression reward, motivation, and motor
Inventory, Mood Disorder Questionnaire. function.
 Laboratory Tests – Rule out medical causes
(thyroid tests, drug screening). o Mood Disorder Involvement:
 Brain Imaging – MRI or CT scan in cases
with suspected neurological involvement.  Low dopamine → Associated
with depression,
anhedonia (inability to
Mood Disorders and Their Relationship to feel pleasure), and lack of
Neurotransmitters motivation.

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar  High dopamine → Seen in

disorder, are linked to imbalances in mania and psychotic
neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that symptoms (as in bipolar
regulate mood, emotions, and cognitive function. disorder).
These neurotransmitters include serotonin, o Treatment: Dopamine agonists
norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-
(used in some cases of depression)
aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate.
and antipsychotics (used in bipolar
disorder to regulate excessive
dopamine).
Neurotransmitters Involved in Mood Disorders

1. Serotonin (5-HT)
4. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
 Function: Regulates mood, emotions,
sleep, and appetite. o Function: Acts as the brain’s main
inhibitory neurotransmitter,
reducing stress and anxiety.

 Mood Disorder Involvement: o Mood Disorder Involvement:

 Low serotonin levels →  Low GABA levels → Associated

Associated with depression, with anxiety, depression, and
anxiety, and suicidal mood instability.
ideation.
o Treatment: Benzodiazepines
 Serotonin dysfunction is (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam)
linked to major depressive enhance GABA activity to reduce
disorder (MDD), seasonal anxiety and mood disturbances.
affective disorder (SAD),
and premenstrual 5. Glutamate
dysphoric disorder
o Function: Main excitatory
(PMDD).
neurotransmitter, essential for cognition,
o Treatment: Selective serotonin memory, and mood regulation.
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g.,
o Mood Disorder Involvement:
fluoxetine, sertraline) increase
serotonin levels in the brain.  High glutamate → Associated with
mania and excitotoxicity (excessive
2. Norepinephrine (NE)
neuronal activity, leading to cell
o Function: Involved in alertness, damage).
arousal, and stress response.
 Low glutamate → Linked to
o Mood Disorder Involvement: depression and cognitive
impairments.
 Low norepinephrine →
Associated with depression, o Treatment: NMDA receptor
fatigue, and lack of antagonists like ketamine (used
motivation.

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Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A
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for treatment-resistant depression)  Antidepressants (for depression)

help regulate glutamate levels. o Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) – e.g., Fluoxetine,
Sertraline
o Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake
Clinical Implications inhibitors (SNRIs) – e.g., Venlafaxine
o Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) –
 Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) increase
e.g., Amitriptyline
serotonin and norepinephrine to treat
o Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
depression.
(MAOIs) – e.g., Phenelzine
 Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate)  Mood Stabilizers (for bipolar disorder)
modulate dopamine and glutamate o Lithium
levels in bipolar disorder. o Valproic acid
o Carbamazepine
 Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine,  Antipsychotics (for severe
risperidone) reduce dopamine activity in manic/depressive episodes)
bipolar mania. o Olanzapine, Risperidone, Quetiapine
 Anxiolytics or Sedatives (for agitation or
 Ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) is sleep disturbances)
used for treatment-resistant depression by
modulating glutamate. 2. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) –
Helps change negative thought patterns.
 Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Focuses on
improving relationships.

 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) –

Helps regulate emotions.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances in Specific Mood  Family Therapy – Involves loved ones for
Disorders better support.

3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

 Used in severe cases of depression or
Mood Seroto Norepineph Dopami GAB treatment-resistant mood disorders.
Glutamate
Disorder nin rine ne A 4. Lifestyle & Complementary Therapies
 Regular physical activity.
Major  Healthy diet (rich in omega-3, vitamins).
Depressi  Mindfulness, meditation, yoga.
↓
ve ↓ Low ↓ Low ↓ Low ↓ Low  Social support and stress management.
Low
Disorder
(MDD) Nursing Management for Mood Disorders
1. Assessment
Bipolar  Assess mood, affect, thought processes, and
↓
Disorder ↑ High ↑ High ↑ High ↑ High behavior.
Low
- Mania  Evaluate suicide risk and self-harm potential.
 Monitor medication adherence and side
Bipolar effects.
Disorder 2. Nursing Interventions
↓  Safety Measures:
- ↓ Low ↓ Low ↓ Low ↓ Low
Low o Suicide precautions if necessary.
Depressi
on o Supervise high-risk patients.
 Psychosocial Support:
Seasonal o Encourage verbalization of feelings.
Affective o Provide emotional support and active
↓ Low ↓ Low ↓ Low N/A N/A listening.
Disorder
(SAD) o Engage in therapeutic
communication.
Anxiety  Medication Management:
Disorder o Educate patients on proper
s medication use and side effects.
(comorbi ↓ o Monitor for adverse reactions and
↓ Low ↑ High N/A ↑ High compliance.
d with Low
Mood  Health Promotion & Lifestyle Changes:
o Encourage physical activity and a
Disorder
balanced diet.
s)
o Educate on stress management
techniques.
 Family Education & Support:
o Teach family members about the
disorder.
Treatment of Mood Disorders o Guide caregivers on coping
strategies.
1. Pharmacological Treatment  Crisis Management:
Prepared by:
Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A
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o Implement de-escalation techniques D – Distractibility

for manic or agitated patients. I – Impulsivity (risky behavior)
o Ensure a safe, structured G – Grandiosity (inflated self-esteem)
environment. F – Flight of ideas (racing thoughts)
A – Activity increase (hyperactivity, goal-
directed behavior)
S – Sleep deficit (reduced need for sleep)
T – Talkativeness (pressured speech)

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Mania makes people DIG FAST

into activities!"

4. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

– "HE’S 2 SAD"

🔹 H – Hopelessness
🔹 E – Energy loss (fatigue)
🔹 S – Self-esteem low
🔹 2 – 2 years minimum duration

🔹 S – Sleep changes
🔹 A – Appetite changes
🔹 D – Decision-making difficulty (poor
concentration)

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "HE'S been SAD for 2 years!"

5. Cyclothymic Disorder – "CYCLO"

C – Chronic mood swings (hypomania & mild

depression)
Y – Years (at least 2 years in adults, 1 in
children)
C – Cannot meet full criteria for Bipolar I or II
L – Low-grade depressive and hypomanic
Mnemonics for Mood Disorders & Their symptoms
Symptoms O – Onset often in early adulthood

1. Types of Mood Disorders – "BAD MOODS" 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "CYCLOthymia cycles between
highs and lows!"
🔹 B – Bipolar Disorder
🔹 A – Atypical Depression
🔹 D – Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive
6. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – "SAD
Disorder)
WINTER"
🔹 M – Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
🔹 O – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (often 🔹 S – Sleep disturbances (hypersomnia)
comorbid with depression) 🔹 A – Appetite increase (cravings for carbs,
🔹 O – Other Specified Mood Disorders weight gain)
🔹 D – Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder 🔹 D – Depressed mood
🔹 S – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 🔹 W – Withdrawn socially
🔹 I – Irritability
🔹 N – No energy (fatigue)
2. Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms – 🔹 T – Trouble concentrating
"SIG-E-CAPS" 🔹 E – Excessive daytime sleepiness
🔹 R – Recurring annually (seasonal pattern)
S – Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
I – Interest loss (anhedonia) 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "SAD in WINTER months!"
G – Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
E – Energy loss (fatigue)
C – Concentration problems Quick Recap of Mnemonics:
A – Appetite changes (weight loss/gain)
P – Psychomotor retardation or agitation ✔ Mood Disorders: BAD MOODS
S – Suicidal ideation ✔ Depression Symptoms: SIG-E-CAPS
✔ Mania Symptoms: DIG FAST
👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Depression SIGns need CAPS ✔ Dysthymia Symptoms: HE'S 2 SAD
(attention)!" ✔ Cyclothymic Disorder: CYCLO
✔ Seasonal Affective Disorder: SAD WINTER

3. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms – "DIG FAST"

(for Mania)
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Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A
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Mnemonics for Mood Disorder Medications & 🔹 I – Increased BP (risk of hypertensive crisis)
Nursing Interventions 🔹 P – Pregnancy (not safe)
🔹 S – Serotonin syndrome risk if combined with
SSRIs
1. Antidepressants (Types & Side Effects) –
"SSRIs SAVE SAD Patients" 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "MAOIs need TIPS to avoid
dangerous interactions!"
🔹 S – Sertraline
🔹 S – S fluoxetine (Prozac)
🔹 R – R is for Escitalopram
🔹 I – I s for Paroxetine 5. Atypical Antipsychotics for Bipolar – "ROQ
🔹 S – S is for Citalopram AL" (Like "Rock All")

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "SSRIs SAVE SAD Patients!" 🔹 R – Risperidone

(SSRIs are first-line for depression) 🔹 O – Olanzapine
🔹 Q – Quetiapine
🔹 A – Aripiprazole
🔹 L – Lurasidone
SSRI Side Effects – "SSRI"
👉 Mnemonic Trick: "ROQ AL helps balance moods!"
🔹 S – Sexual dysfunction
🔹 S – Serotonin syndrome (if combined with
MAOIs, St. John’s Wort, etc.)
🔹 R – Restlessness (agitation, anxiety, 6. Nursing Care Plan for Mood Disorders –
insomnia) "SAFE CARE"
🔹 I – Increased suicidal thoughts (especially in
young adults) 🔹 S – Suicide assessment & safety precautions
🔹 A – Assess mood, affect, and thought
patterns
🔹 F – Family involvement & education
2. Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms – 🔹 E – Encourage therapy (CBT, support groups,
"HARMFUL" psychotherapy)
🔹 C – Coping skills training (journaling,
🔹 H – Hyperthermia (high fever, sweating)
mindfulness, exercise)
🔹 A – Autonomic instability (fluctuating BP, HR
🔹 A – Adherence to medications (monitor for
changes)
side effects)
🔹 R – Rigidity (muscle stiffness, tremors,
🔹 R – Routine sleep, nutrition, and activity
hyperreflexia)
promotion
🔹 M – Myoclonus (jerky muscle movements)
🔹 E – Evaluate progress & adjust care as
🔹 F – Fast heart rate (tachycardia,
needed
arrhythmias)
🔹 U – Unconsciousness (agitation, confusion, 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Provide SAFE CARE for
coma in severe cases) patients with mood disorders!"
🔹 L – Loss of coordination (clumsiness,
dizziness)

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Serotonin Syndrome is Final Recap of Mnemonics for Easy Recall
HARMFUL!"
✔ SSRI Meds: SAVE SAD Patients
✔ Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms: HARMFUL
✔ Mood Stabilizers: LVC Mood
✔ Lithium Toxicity: LITH
✔ MAOIs Interactions: TIPS
3. Mood Stabilizers – "LVC Mood" (Lithium,
✔ Atypical Antipsychotics: ROQ AL
Valproate, Carbamazepine for Mood Disorders)
✔ Nursing Care Plan: SAFE CARE
🔹 L – Lithium
🔹 V – Valproic Acid (Depakote)
🔹 C – Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Mnemonics for Therapy Techniques & Nursing
🔹 M – Mood Stabilization Interventions for Mood Disorders
Lithium Toxicity Symptoms – "LITH" Here are easy-to-remember mnemonics for
🔹 L – Lethargy & Lack of coordination different psychotherapy techniques, nursing
🔹 I – Irregular tremors (fine to coarse) interventions, and patient education strategies
🔹 T – Tummy issues (N/V, diarrhea) for mood disorders.
🔹 H – Hypotension, Hypothyroidism,
Hyperreflexia
1. Psychotherapy Techniques – "CBT BE
👉 Mnemonic Trick: "LITHium toxicity can be
SMART"
LITHal!"
🔹 C – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) –
Restructures negative thoughts
4. MAOIs – "TIPS" (Tyramine Foods to Avoid) 🔹 B – Behavioral Activation – Encourages
engagement in positive activities
🔹 T – Tyramine-rich foods (cheese, wine, aged 🔹 T – Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy) – Helps
meats, fermented foods) express emotions
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Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A
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🔹 B – Biofeedback – Controls physiological 🔹 P – Previous attempts

responses (e.g., heart rate, tension) 🔹 E – Excessive alcohol or drug use
🔹 E – Exposure Therapy – Gradual exposure to 🔹 R – Rational thinking loss (psychosis,
fears/stressors hallucinations)
🔹 S – Support Groups – Connects with others 🔹 S – Social isolation (lack of support system)
facing similar struggles 🔹 O – Organized plan (having access to lethal
🔹 M – Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Encourages means)
present-moment awareness 🔹 N – No significant relationships
🔹 A – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 🔹 S – Serious illness (terminal conditions,
(ACT) – Focuses on values-driven actions chronic pain)
🔹 R – Reality Therapy – Focuses on choices and
personal responsibility 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Assess suicide risk using SAD
🔹 T – Transactional Analysis – Examines PERSONS!"
communication and behavior patterns

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "CBT BE SMART in treating

5. Patient Education for Mood Disorders –
mood disorders!"
"TEACH HOPE"

🔹 T – Teach about medications, side effects,

2. Nursing Interventions for Depression – and adherence
"THERAPEUTIC" 🔹 E – Encourage therapy & coping mechanisms
🔹 A – Avoid alcohol, drugs, and triggers
🔹 T – Therapeutic communication (active 🔹 C – Create a support system (family, friends,
listening, validation) groups)
🔹 H – Help patient set realistic goals 🔹 H – Healthy lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet)
🔹 E – Encourage participation in social & 🔹 H – Help with stress management techniques
physical activities 🔹 O – Observe for relapse warning signs
🔹 R – Remind about self-care (hygiene, 🔹 P – Promote self-care and structured routine
nutrition, sleep) 🔹 E – Empower the patient with positive
🔹 A – Assess for suicide risk & self-harm reinforcement
tendencies
🔹 P – Provide education on medications & 👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Help patients TEACH HOPE to
therapy themselves!"
🔹 E – Encourage journaling and expression of
feelings
🔹 U – Utilize relaxation techniques (breathing, Final Recap of Mnemonics for Easy Recall
meditation)
🔹 T – Teach coping strategies (positive ✔ Psychotherapy Techniques: CBT BE SMART
thinking, stress management) ✔ Nursing Interventions for Depression:
🔹 I – Involve family & social support THERAPEUTIC
🔹 C – Continue to evaluate progress & adjust ✔ Nursing Interventions for Mania: CALM
care plan DOWN
✔ Suicide Risk Assessment: SAD PERSONS
👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Provide THERAPEUTIC care ✔ Patient Education Strategies: TEACH HOPE
for patients with depression!"

3. Nursing Interventions for Mania – "CALM

DOWN"

🔹 C – Calm, low-stimulation environment

🔹 A – Avoid confrontations & set clear limits
🔹 L – Limit caffeine & other stimulants
🔹 M – Monitor sleep, hydration, and nutrition
🔹 D – Direct patient to structured activities
🔹 O – Observe for impulsivity & high-risk
behaviors
🔹 W – Watch for medication compliance & side
effects
🔹 N – Normalize routine & encourage rest
periods

👉 Mnemonic Trick: "Help manic patients CALM

DOWN!"

4. Suicide Prevention – "SAD PERSONS"

🔹 S – Sex (higher risk in males)

🔹 A – Age (risk higher in teens & elderly)
🔹 D – Depression diagnosis
Prepared by:
Eftizam A. Langa, RN, MAN for NCM 117-A