Mood Disorders

Risk factors

Children, teens or adults who have a family member with a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. 

Causes

Mood disorders can manifest themselves in several ways, which is why it’s important for mental health professionals to develop targeted treatments for certain types of depression. A greater understanding of depression and its different forms is a great first step towards getting help. Some common diagnoses include:

Genetics and Biochemical Factors

  • Family history
  • Brain chemistry (serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Self-criticism or perfectionism
  • Low self-worth
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Eating disorders
  • Sensitivity to criticism

Bullying and Discrimination

  • Peer rejection
  • Cyberbullying
  • Physical and verbal abuse
  • Racism and bigotry
  • Physical health problems
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Injury and immobilisation
  • Terminal illness

Life Events and Trauma

  • Job loss
  • Retirement
  • Moving house
  • Physical and verbal abuse
  • Natural disaster
  • Sexual assault

Life threatening experiences

  • Witnessing death or injury
  • Unstable living conditions
  • Grief and loss
  • Death of a loved one
  • The end of a friendship/relationship
  • Moving away
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Lack of close family ties
  • Separation
  • Living alone
  • Introversion
  • Language or cultural barriers
  • Geographic isolation
  • Retirement
  • Starting a new job or moving schools
  • Fear of rejection

Drug Use

  • Substance abuse
  • Medication side effects
  • Family or relationship breakdown
  • Family suffering from mental illness
  • Separation and divorce
  • Friendship conflict
  • Parental conflict
  • Loss of intimacy 
Symptoms Diagnosis