Mood disorders

This chapter examines the nature of mood disorders. It also explores mental health assessment, interventions, knowledge and attitudes that nurses need in order to work effectively with people with mood disorders. A holistic view is essential, because mood disorders affect all aspects of daily living. Depression and elevated mood commonly occur in many mental disorders. This chapter considers disorders where the change in mood predominates. When a person has a mood disorder, the changes they experience are more intense and persistent than those that most people experience in their day-to-day lives and may affect functioning both at work and at home. The person experiences a range of disturbances in behaviour, cognition, communication and physical functioning. This chapter addresses major depressive disorder (major depression), bipolar disorder, postpartum depression and depression associated with ageing. It also makes a distinction between major depressive disorder (major depression) and feeling sad. The key to working effectively with someone with a mood disorder is a collaborative relationship characterised by openness and respect. This is emphasised throughout the chapter. The collaborative relationship is an essential part of counselling and pharmacotherapeutic interventions. At all times, the nurse must be a partner in the client's recovery.