Affective disorders are a set of psychiatric diseases, also
called mood disorders. The main types of affective disorders are
depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder. Symptoms
vary by individual, but they typically affect mood. They can
range from mild to severe. A psychiatrist or other trained
mental health professional can diagnose an affective disorder.
This is done with a psychiatric evaluation. Affective disorders
can be disruptive to your life. However, there are effective
treatments available, including both medication and
psychotherapy. Depression, or major depressive disorder, is
characterized by feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness.
It is more than simply feeling down for a day or two. If you
have depression, you may experience episodes that last for
several days or even weeks. A milder form of depression is
called dysthymia. Bipolar disorder means having periods of
depression, and periods of mania. Mania is when you feel
extremely positive and active. This may sound good, but mani