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Living with affective disorders - how to find balance?10 grudnia 2025 |
Affective disorders, also known as mood disorders, are a group of mental illnesses characterized by episodes of significant emotional changes. These may include depressive episodes, mania or hypomania, as well as chronically low mood, such as dysthymia or cyclothymia. They include unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
Treatment for affective disorders is based on psychotherapy (most commonly cognitive-behavioral therapy), pharmacotherapy, and psychoeducation. For unipolar depression, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are typically prescribed, whereas bipolar disorder is treated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Family therapy, regular physical activity, healthy sleep, and education for relatives also play an important role.
Affective disorders manifest through various emotional and physical symptoms. Depressive episodes are characterized by sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and even suicidal thoughts. Manic or hypomanic episodes, on the other hand, involve excessive activity, heightened emotions, impulsivity, reduced need for sleep, and risky decision-making. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) presents with low mood, apathy, and lack of energy, particularly in autumn and winter.
Yes, affective disorders are recognized mental illnesses classified in ICD-10, ICD-11, and DSM-5. They include conditions such as mania, depression, dysthymia, and cyclothymia. These are serious disorders that require treatment and are influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors.
The best support is to show empathy and understanding - listening without judgment or minimizing their feelings. Encouraging psychiatric consultation and therapy, as well as helping to follow a treatment plan, are crucial. Family members can participate in psychoeducation, help establish healthy routines (sleep, exercise, diet), and watch for early signs of relapse. Presence, acceptance, and seeking psychotherapeutic support together can significantly improve the recovery process.
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