What are different kinds of mood disorders?
There are 2 main categories of mood disorders: Depressive and Bipolar.
Under depressive disorders, we have different kinds: major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
Major Depressive Disorder: single episode meeting criteria for Major Depression or Recurrent Episodes. Time Course: must be two months between episodes for them to be considered separate.
Dysthymic Disorder: depressed mood most of the day, more days than not. >2 of poor appetite/overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, hopelessness. Time course: at least two years with no more than two months without symptoms at any time.
Under Bipolar disorder, we have different kinds as well: Bipolar I, Rapidy cycling, Bipolar II, and Cyclothemia.
Bipolar I: requires only one manic episode. No requirement for depression.
Rapid cycling specifier: At least 4 episodes of a mood disturbance in 12 months that meets the criteria for MDE, Manic Episode, or Hypomanic Episode.
Bipolar II: One or more Major Depressive Episodes. At least one hypomanic episode. No manic episodes.
Cyclothymia: Numerous periods of hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes that do not meet the criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. Time Course: Two years of symptoms with no more than two months at a time without symptoms.
Adjustment D/O with depressed mood: Development of depressive symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor. Marked distress that is out of proportion to what would be expected after exposure to the stressor with impairment in functioning. Time Course: Occurs within 3 months of an identifiable stressor. Symptoms do not persist for more than 6 months after the termination of the stressor.
Read up on Affective disorders for further information on different kinds of mood disorders.