The two major types of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar disorders

Depressive disorders

Depressive disorders are characterised by periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, along with several physical and cognitive symptoms.

Bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorders are classified as:

Bipolar I

Previously known as “manic depressive” disorder, bipolar I involves alternating cycles of mania and depression. Mania is characterised by euphoric mood, hyper energy, and/or irritable moods and aggression.

Bipolar II

People with bipolar II disorder show signs of hypomania alternating with depression. Hypomania is simply a less severe form of mania.