Correlation Between Gender Identity and Mood Disorders

Gender identity disorder is an uncommon condition where the individual's self-perception is at variance with his/her gender of birth. Here we'll discuss the correlation between gender identity and mood disorders.

Gender identity issues are associated with a variety of mood disorders, the most common of which is bipolar II. The lifetime prevalence of mood disorders in people with gender identity issues is 45%.

Similarly, several studies have established an association between transsexualism and bipolar mania and depression. The severe mood swings typically heighten the desire for the sex change.

Experts usually attribute the prevalence of mood disorders in people with gender identity confusion to the societal stigma associated with ambiguous gender. People with gender identity disorders are often the subject of discrimination and other forms of persecution.

Simple Homeopathic Remedies, for ADHD, Mood Disorders

Homeopathic Remedies, for ADHD, Mood Disorders - If you would like to treat your ADHD naturally, you have several homeopathic remedies from which to choose.

For one, ginko biloba can help improve memory and concentration. Additionally, those with ADHD should try to avoid caffeine, as it can exacerbate the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.

For mood disorders, you might try St. John's wort. This herb has been shown to improve mood as much as antidepressant medications in people with mild or moderate depression.

For both ADHD and mood disorders, omega-3 supplementation may help alleviate symptoms. A deficiency of omega 3s can lead to a number of physical and psychological effects, including depression and lethargy.

Types of Mood Disorders Defined by the DSM

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) defines several types of mood disorders. Generally speaking, a mood disorder is a mental illness where a disturbance in affect, or emotional state, is the predominant feature.

The DSM lists two categories of mood disorders that are differentiated by the presence of absence of manic or hypomanic episodes. If these episodes are present, the mood disorder is classified as Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

Without manic episodes, the mood disorder may qualify as Major Depressive Disorder, a Major Depressive Episode, or Dysthymic Disorder. These disorders are defined by serious and sometimes recurrent episodes of sadness, lethargy, and various physical symptoms.

The DSM also specifies a category of substance-induced mood disorders. Both alcohol and sedatives can induce depression during the use of or withdrawal from the drug.

Definitions of Mood Disorders - Dysthymia

Definitions of Mood Disorders - Dysthymia is a mental illness that is characterized by chronic feelings of depression and malaise.

To meet the DSM-IV criteria for dysthymia, a patient must present a depressed mood on most days for at least two consecutive years. For teens and children, patients must present a depressed or irritable mood for at least one year.

The patient must not be without depressive symptoms for more than two months to be diagnosed as dysthymic. Sufferers also cannot report any manic or mixed episodes over their lifetimes to meet criteria for dysthymia.

Symptoms of dysthymia include low self-image, changes in appetite (eating too much or too little), difficulty concentrating or making decisions, sleeping too much or too little, and persistent feelings of hopelessness.

Helping Anger Mood Disorder in Preschoolers

Most parents don't know what to do about anger mood disorder in preschoolers. They are upset and confused by the child's angry outbursts and perhaps feel helpless at the same time.

To help with your child's anger disorder, you first might schedule twenty minutes of one-on-one time every day. Children ages 3-5 tend to get cranky when their needs aren't met, so simply sitting down to play with your child for 20 minutes each day can help.

Secondly, encourage your child to use his/her developing language skills to express his/her wants and emotions. For instance, instead of hitting during a fight over a toy, train your child to say, "I want the toy."

Finally, giving your child a choice between two options can alleviate anger. For example, you might say "You either share the toy or you put it away now."

The Importance of Mood Charts Bipolar Disorder

Mood charts bipolar disorder can be helpful because they provide a visual medium for the patient to recognize mood patterns before they become more problematic.

The act of recording how they feel may make patients more self-aware of mood changes and triggers. Identifying triggers can help patients better regulate their affect.

For bipolar patients who are in therapy, the mood chart can jog the memory of the ups and downs they experience between sessions. The therapist may also gain insights from reviewing the patient's mood log.

Finally, once the patient recognizes the patterns and triggers of mood swings, they can use the chart as an alarm of sorts. The chart can help the patients identify when they are most prone to mood instability.

Some Bipolar Mood Disorder Symptoms Tied to Medication-Induced Mood Swings

People with bipolar depression who take antidepressant medication face an elevated risk of fast mood swings even if few manic mood disorder symptoms exist, scientists discovered.

Even patients with bipolar illness who report low symptoms of distractibility, racing thoughts, agitation, and rapid speech were substantially more likely to experience manic episodes when put on antidepressants. The findings were reported by Dr. Mark Frye of the Mayo Clinic.

Since medication-induced mania is "volatile and very destructive for the patient as well as their family," Dr. Frye explained that he is much more sensitive to the risks of using such medications now and will be more inclined to offer alternative remedies, like therapy or mood stabilizers.

The results are the first to corroborate an increased risk of rapid medication-induced mood cycling and contribute to growing evidence against the use of antidepressants for bipolar illness.