What are major mood disorders?

Major mood disorders encompass a range of conditions that primarily affect an individual's emotional state. The correct answer highlights that these disorders include depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders that may arise as a result of substance use.

Depressive disorders are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. Examples include major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). On the other hand, bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), demonstrating a more complex pattern than typical depressive symptoms.

Substance-induced mood disorders refer to mood changes that are directly related to the effects of substance use, such as drugs or alcohol, where the individual's mood disturbances stem from these external substances rather than an independent mood disorder.

Understanding mood disorders in this context is essential for identifying and treating individuals effectively. Options that suggest mood disorders are limited only to depression or anxiety do not capture the full spectrum of these complex conditions, and personality disorders are classified differently and do not fall under the umbrella of mood disorders. Therefore, recognizing the broader categories of mood disorders, including those formed by substance use, is crucial for comprehensive mental health care.