Mood Disorders

A mood disorder refers to a condition that affects or disturbs your emotional state, to a point where it may adversely affect relationships or make it difficult to function or work. Experiences between individuals can vary greatly but can cause withdrawals from social contact or lead to hiding symptoms and signs from loved ones. 

How common is it?

Mood disorders such as depression are one of the most common mental illnesses experienced by Australian adults. 

Are there different types of mood disorders? 

The two most common mood disorders are major depression and bipolar disorder.

• Depression is a chronic mental illness where you find yourself in a regular state of gloom, sadness or despair.
• Bipolar disorder is characterised by both periods of depression and abnormally elevated moods (manic episodes).