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?  

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Depression (PDF File)
NIMH, 2000
Overview of depression, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and resources

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

Mutant Gene Linked to Treatment-Resistant Depression
NIMH, 2004

Depression and Dysthymia
Leslie E. Packer, PhD 2004
a mnemonic for depression and other information

Some Famous People with Mood Disorders
Just for inspiration

Bipolar Disorder (PDF File)
NIMH, 2002
Excellent verview with symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and other helpful information

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

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder: An Update (PDF File)
NIMH, 2000
Update on research and some concerns

Subtypes of Bipolar Disorder: Overview
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, revised 2004
Overview of subtypes of Bipolar Disorder such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II...

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Some Concerning Findings
Leslie E. Packer, PhD (last updated Apr. 21, 2006)
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

MOOD DISORDERS - POINTS OF INTEREST

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

Tourette Syndrome "Plus" © Copyright 1998 - 2006, Leslie E. Packer, PhD. except as noted.
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This page last updated Apr. 21, 2006.
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