Uncovering Mood Disorders
Nearly 10 percent of Americans suffer from depression.
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The Many Faces of Depression - Following weeks of speculation, Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s leave of absence became slightly more clear when his camp announced on Wednesday the 47-year-old was being treated for an unspecified mood disorder. Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, worthlessness and guilt can be experienced by anyone on a typical day, but for millions of Americans diagnosed with a mood disorder, these feelings can be both mentally and emotionally crippling and stop them from living healthy and productive lives. As many as 9.1 percent of the United States adult population suffer from depression, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its most recent findings. BET.com takes a look at the ailment and lists options for getting help. – Britt Middleton (Photo: REUTERS/Mitch Dumke)
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Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar disorder, which is typically diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25, is a mood disorder where a person experiences extreme mood swings, shifting quickly between periods of euphoria that make a person lose touch with reality, often described as mania, to an irritable mood or depressive state. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in two stages depending on the level of mania experienced. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Chronic Depression - People diagnosed with chronic major depression can have intense feelings of sadness, loss, frustration or anger that last two years or longer and can be onset as a child or an adult. The causes for both bipolar disorder and depression are unknown, but researchers believe these disorders can be inherited genetically, triggered by emotionally stressful events or onset by chemical changes in the brain. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Milder Forms of Mood Disorders - Dysthymic disorder and cyclothymic disorder are two less severe forms of mood disorders. Dysthymic disorder is described as "low, dark moods" that can stretch up to two years, in contrast with longer periods experienced in chronic major depression. Cyclothymic disorder is described as a mild form of full-blown bipolar disorder, with brief mood swings from euphoria and excitement to mild or moderate depression, though a person may not experience a separation from reality as in bipolar disorder. (Photo: Carl Juste/Miami Herald/MCT)
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Who Is Most Affected by Depression in the U.S.? - According to the CDC's most recent findings, people aged 45-64 make up the highest population of Americans affected by chronic depression. Blacks (12.9 percent) and Latinos (11.7 percent) reported higher levels of depression than whites (8 percent). On the whole, people with less than a high school education, those previously married, people that were unemployed or unable to work, or people without health insurance experienced highest levels of depression, according to the CDC. (Photo: Getty Images)
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How Are Mood Disorders Treated? - A doctor can prescribe antidepressants to help manage feelings of depression. Talking through your feelings with a licensed professional is another common treatment option. Finding a depression support group in your neighborhood by using national resources such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance may also help. (Photo: Getty Images)
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How Are Depressive Episodes Triggered? - Traumatic events such as divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or sexual abuse can trigger depressive episodes. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate mood disorder symptoms and even heighten the risks of suicide in some people. Getting enough sleep and speaking with a health care provider on the correct ways to take prescribed medications can help prevent an episode from occurring. (Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)
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What Are Some Warning Signs? - Symptoms can include drastic changes in a person’s mood or behavior. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, increased use of drugs and alcohol and withdrawal from friends and family may also be signs of a mood disorder. (Photo: Stuart O'Sullivan/ Getty Images)
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