MOOD DISORDERS
INTRODUCTION

Variability in emotions and mood are part of life. But is there ever a time when a person is "too sad" for "too long" or when their apparent "good" mood seems out of proportion to their life and unrealistic? How is a parent or family member to know when variability in mood is not just "normal" and may represent a condition that needs to be addressed or treated in a child or family member?  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Depression (PDF File)
NIMH, 2007
Overview of depression, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and resources

Depression in the United States Household Population, 2005–2006 (PDF File)
National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief, September 2008
Statistics compiled by Laura A. Pratt, Ph.D., and Debra J. Brody, M.P.H.

Men and Depression (PDF File)
NIMH, 2005
Overview: how it looks, how it feels, getting help, and getting better

Women and Depression (PDF File)
NIMH, 2008
Overview of symptoms, treatment and factors contributing to depression that are unique to women

Stories of Depression: Does This Sound Like You? (PDF File)
NIMH, 2002
Firsthand accounts

Let's Talk About Depression (PDF File)
NIMH, 2001
Overview of depression for adolesecents

What to Do When a Friend is Depressed (PDF File)
NIMH, 2001
Information for adolescents

Depression Relapse Less Likely Among Teens Who Receive CBT After Medication Therapy
NIMH, 2008

Depression and Dysthymia
Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2004 (last updated January 2009)
Some quick facts on depression with a mnemonic, and a definition of dysthymia

Bipolar Disorder (PDF File)
NIMH, 2001
Overview of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and other helpful information

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens (Easy to Read) (PDF File)
NIMH, 2008
8-page overview of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and other helpful information for parents

A Story of Bipolar Disorder: Does This Sound Like You? (PDF File)
NIMH, 2002
Firsthand account

Diagnostic Confusion and Subtypes of Bipolar Disorder: Overview
Leslie E. Packer, PhD (last updated January 2009)
Overview of different types of mood episodes and subtypes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Some Concerning Findings
Leslie E. Packer, PhD (last updated January 2009)
Children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder are more ill than adults with Bipolar Disorder, but can toddlers really have Bipolar Disorder?

For Your Reference Shelf: Books and Videos
Books and videos on mood disorders for parents and adults

Ideas for Accommodating Employees with Bipolar Disorder (PDF File)
Ideas from Job Accommodation Network

Links
There are some fabulous sites on the WWW for information and support for mood disorders

Some Famous People with Mood Disorders
Just for inspiration

MOOD DISORDERS - POINTS OF INTEREST

Information on the explosive outbursts sometimes associated with Depression or Bipolar Disorder is provided in the "Rage Attacks" section.

If you are looking for school-related impact and school strategies, those topics are covered in the Education section.

Tourette Syndrome "Plus" © Copyright 1998 - 2009, Leslie E. Packer, PhD. except as noted.
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This page last updated January 29, 2009.
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