While we all experience occasional highs and lows, mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are characterized by their extremes in both intensity and duration. Even at their highest intensity, symptoms of mood disorders are often misinterpreted as merely mood swings. Worse, they are sometimes considered personality flaws rather than real medical conditions. The truth is that mood disorders are treatable medical illnesses.

Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common mental health problems, and is characterized by feelings of sadness or despair that last for at least two weeks and often impair a person's ability to carry out their normal responsibilities at work or in the home. Clinical depression is not only characterized by a low mood lasting two weeks or more, but is accompanied by changes in sleep, energy, appetite or concentration. Feelings of guilt and inadequacy are common, and studies have shown that women are almost twice as likely as men to experience a depressive episode over their lifetimes.

A variety of circumstances can contribute to developing depression, including:

• Genetics: a history of depression in the family
• Serious illness or medical condition
• Grief from the loss of a loved one
• Reaction to stressful life changes (divorce, retirement, job loss, etc.)
• Abuse (physical, mental, emotional or sexual)
• Substance abuse
• Side effects of medication

However, sometimes depression can occur "out of the blue," with no clear precipitating event. If depression is impairing a person's ability to function, it may be time to seek professional help. Without treatment, depression can last for weeks, months or years. Treatment may vary from case to case, but typically includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression can decrease the length and severity of episodes for most people, preventing years of suffering and restoring a better quality of life.

The Mood Disorders Research Program is conducting a series of studies on depression and bipolar disorder, including treatment studies and brain imaging studies. If you would like more information, or would like to know if you are eligible to participate in one of our current studies, please visit our website at www.uclamood.org or call (310) 794-9994.