What is it?
“A persistent and sustained emotion that colours the perception of the world”
(Norman and Ryrie)
Mood is different to ‘affect’. Affect relates more to the emotional weather (the immediate expression of emotion). Mood is more of a sustained emotional ‘climate’. Common examples are depression, elation, anger, anxiety, irritability and euthymia (normal/tranquil).
It is typical in mental health settings to assess someone’s mood when looking at their mental health. For example, someone could have a reduced emotional response (flat) for a prolonged period which would suggest an episode of depression.
The Brain
The limbic system, namely the amygdala, controls emotion and mood. The hypothalamus in the brain also helps manage or regulate mood. However, it’s hard to separate out mood from the body as many systems have a role to play including the hormonal system and nervous system.
Mood can be affected by:
1. Biology – hormones and brain chemicals
2. Psychology – personality and learned responses
3. Environment – illness and stress
Fluctuations and Extremes
We all experience fluctuations in mood. One day we might feel a little low and by the end of the week feel so amazing. Mood changes are hopefully manageable and are expected part of life. Without dark, we don’t have light. Without sad, we wouldn’t know what happy is. However, extreme darkness (sadness) and extreme light (happiness) causes problems for people. One day someone could be suicidal and by the end of the week be 10 out of 10 happy. It’s a challenge to follow for the individual as well as their loved ones. Sometimes someone can feel a mood for a really sustained period of time and not experience a full range of emotions. This lack of natural fluctuation is limiting for the individual. It’s also challenging for people around them.
Mood Disorders – DSM5
There are a number of mood disorders in the diagnostic manual. The well-known ones are Bipolar Disorder (I and II) and Major Depressive Disorder. With Bipolar Disorder people experience extreme and prolonged highs and lows of emotion. This looks different for each individual. With Major Depressive Disorder people experience extreme and prolonged low mood. Extremes of emotion can be extremely dangerous. See the below link to find out more about the changes to mood disorders in the DSM5. Please avoid self-diagnosis and seek professional help if you feel you experience extreme moods.
Complementary Therapies
As we know, the environment can affect our mood. So, getting a massage can be relaxing, using a citrus oil can be uplifting and reiki can feel balancing. If you are interested in how to influence your mood with complementary therapies let me know! Remember that exercise and diet are also hugely influential for mood.
Look after yourself and see you next month!
References
Wright, K. M. and McKeown, M. (2018) Essentials of Mental Health Nursing. London: Sage Publications.
Norman, I. and Ryrie, I. (2013) The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing Principles and Practice. Berkshire: Open University Press.
DSM-5 and Psychotic and Mood Disorders
Parker, G. F. (2014) DSM-5 and Psychotic and Mood Disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 42(2), pp. 182-190. Available at: http://jaapl.org/content/42/2/182