If you have noticed recurrent symptoms that prevent you from enjoying daily activities it may be necessary to investigate the presence of anxiety mood disorders.

There are several different types of mood disorders.

Major Depression-This type of depression consists of at least a 2 week time period in which the individual is depressed or in what may be described as an irritable mood. There may be a noticeable decrease in pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Dysthymia-This type of mood disorder involves a low-grade, although chronic irritable or depressed state that exists for at least one year.

Manic depression-Also known as bipolar disorder. This mood disorder consists of at least one episode involving an irritable or depressed mood along with one time period of a persistently elevated mood, also known as manic.

Some mood disorders can be related to a general medical condition, such as injuries, chronic medical illness, etc. All of these can result in symptoms of depression. Mood disorders can also be induced by substances such as drug abuse, medication, etc.

Mood and anxiety disorders can share several symptoms so it is very important to not attempt self-diagnosis. Common symptoms related to mood disorders include:

• difficulty with relationships
• sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia, hypersomnia)
• changes in appetite or weight
• decreased energy
• difficulty concentrating
• a decrease in the ability to make decisions
• suicidal thoughts or attempts
• persistent feelings of sadness
• feeling hopeless or helpless
• having low self-esteem
• feeling inadequate
• excessive guilt
• feelings of wanting to die
• loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
• frequent physical complaints (i.e., headache, stomach ache, fatigue)
• running away or threats of running away from home
• hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
• irritability, hostility, aggression

It should be noted that symptoms of mood disorders can vary from one individual to the next.

Anxiety mood disorders can appear to be similar to the disorders described above; however, they are different.

Types of anxiety disorders include:

Phobia-There are actually two major types of phobias; specific phobia and social phobia. With social phobia an individual may have an intense fear of social situations while in specific phobias the individual may have an extreme and often disabling fear of something specific.

Generalized anxiety disorder-With this type of disorder that is a constant stream of tension and worrisome thoughts.

Panic disorder-This type of disorder includes repeated episodes of fear that frequently strike with no apparent warning.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder-includes compulsive and repeated behaviors that the individual does not seem to be able to control or stop

Post-traumatic stress disorder-includes a pattern of flashbacks that occur with individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events or violence.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders also tend to vary from one individual to the next and can also vary from one episode to another.

• Fatigue

• Trembling

• Headache

• Nausea

• Muscle tension

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Heart palpitations

• Abdominal pains

• Fear of dying

• Feelings of unreality

If you think you may suf