Mood

In the diagnostic manual (DSM), after schizophrenia, comes Bipolar Disorder. As with everything I'm trying to tell you in my own words, we need to start with some simpler concepts to get an understanding of what Bipolar Disorder is. Today, I'll talk about mood.

What do you mean when you say, 'Today, I'm in a good mood'? Probably that you have a good level of energy, motivation, a positive outlook on what's happening around you, and a willingness to communicate. On the contrary, what is a bad mood? Low energy level, lack of enthusiasm, a negative interpretation of circumstances, a desire to isolate.

Mood is, therefore, a state of mind. The tone of mood can be neutral, positive (good mood), or negative (bad mood). From what I've said, we can define mood as something that fluctuates. You can have a series of positive days, followed by neutral days, and then negative days.

Now, let's learn a new word: euthymia. Euthymia is a state of serenity or a neutral state of mind. Fluctuations from euthymia can be normal or warrant the attention of a mental health expert.

Life's worries can lead to a period of negative mood, but if a person is consistently so genuinely sad that they have no will to take care of themselves, their work, or their social life, then we can define this mood as depressive.

Conversely, situations of joy or celebration can lead to a period of positive mood. But if a person is consistently so energetic and enthusiastic, taking so many initiatives that ultimately harm all aspects of their life, then we can define this mood as euphoric.

Understanding what mood is will allow us to understand what are:

• manic episode
• hypomanic episode
• depressive episode
  

These episodes will help us define what Bipolar Disorder is.

Sources:

- American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

- Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

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