Which mood disorder is most common in North America?

The one mood disorder that is predominant in American society is major depressive disorder. This chronic illness is twice as common in women and accrues a considerable morbidity. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 comprise the majority of those with major depression.  Depression also has a venomous blow on the economy, both in reduced productivity and more consumption of limited health care resources. In the workplace, depression is a principal cause of absenteeism and diminished productivity.

Do mood disorders lead to complications?

The disability suffered by an individual with a mood disorder is broad. Besides the individual, spouses, parents, children, siblings, friends and colleagues all experience fury, blame, aggravation, financial woes and on occasion even physical abuse in their efforts to alleviate or manage with the mental anguish. Many individuals eventually end up with hassles with the law. 

Why is there a low incidence of mood disorders in the East?

The biggest difference between western society and eastern cultures is that mental disorders are accepted as a bona fide illness by the former; whereas in many oriental cultures, mood disorders are not accepted even among physicians.  There tends to be a belief that these people are malingering or faking an illness. Psychiatry is not even well practiced in many parts of the world. The taboo associated with mental disorders has left many orientals suffering in silence. In many other cultures, superstition and religious beliefs override all mental illness. If you act crazy in some countries, rather than give you Prozac you are regarded as holy and even worshipped.

Is anyone immune from mood disorders?

Mood disorders are more common in every segment of society including single, divorced and separated individuals.  There is no correlation with social status, age, class or color. Risk factors for mood disorders include a positive family history, personality factors, environmental strain(s) and a possible imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. No society, culture, race or gender is immune from mood disorders. 

Which mood disorders are common in North America

The clusters of mood orders which are common include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Mood disorders are diagnosed when the symptoms fall beyond the normal fluctuations of sadness or happiness. What is not appreciated is that mood disorders have severe consequences on the individual, family and friend and carry a significant morbidity and mortality. Worldwide, mood disorders rank in the 10 causes of major illnesses. At the top of the list is unipolar depression followed by bipolar. 

Are mood disorders common?

Humans have been plagued with mood disorders since time immemorial. One of the first expressions for depression, melancholy, literally implying "black bile" dates back to the ancient days of Hippocrates. Since earliest recorded history, mood disorders occurring outside of the norm have been recognized and charted.

The exact number of people suffering from mood disorders in the USA is not known but the numbers are high. Estimates from mental health clinics reveal that anywhere from 7-18 percent of the population suffers from mood disorders and there are countless others who have not been diagnosed for fear of embarrassment or lack of money to see a health care professional.

Do mood disorders affect everyone?

At some point in time, all individuals will experience a heartbreaking event or unanticipated loss of a loved one, or deep sadness, grief or anguish. Indeed this is just a range of normal behavior and emotions. However, when the symptoms or signs of mood disorders are prolonged and tend to affect the individual or others around, a diagnosis of mood disorder is generally made. The story does get complicated because of overlapping symptoms and today psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a guide. This bible of psychiatry provides diagnostic criteria for the majority of mental disorders. The DSM now in its 5^th edition is widely used by psychiatrists in the US, health care workers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and policy makers all over the world.