Cause, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Mood Disorders

FRP 1

Running Head: Activity 36

Psy 7700 Psychopharmacology
Activity 36: Final Research Paper
David L. Alexander
California Southern University
College of Behavioral Sciences

FRP 2
I decided to choose mood disorders as their appears to be a genetic pre-disposition in my family history to it. There have also been members of my wife’s family who have exhibited mood disorders. I therefore chose this class to attempt a comprehensive review of the use and impact of psychopharmacological agents as part of the treatment regimen for their symptoms.
Causes of Mood Disorders
According to (NIMH) the National Institute of Mental Health (2009), the causes of mood disorders at this time are not completely understood. However, a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain appear to play a major role in their development. Abnormalities in the regulation of the neurotransmitters are believed to cause mood alteration, particularly dys-regulation in norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. NIMH (2009) also list gender as another major risk factor for mood disorders, particularly depressive disorders. With women having nearly twice as much risk of developing major depression as men. It is believed that hormones involved in pregnancy and miscarriage and hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, pre-menopause and menopause may attribute this in women. According to NIMH (2009) about 9.5 percent of American adults, or about 18.8 million people, have a mood disorder, and that mood disorders can occur in any race or social class. In addition to complex imbalances in the brain's chemical activity, genetic factors, or gender variations (NHMIC) the National Mental Health Information Center (2009) also list several other environmental factors which are believed to play a part in triggering, if not causing the onset of mood disorders. Organic disorders, and chronic illnesses are believed to produce some forms of mood disorder.

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