UIC Department of Psychiatry

Mood disorders are characterized by depressive, hypomanic and/or manic episodes. Diagnoses in this category include Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorders and Mood Disorders Due to General Medical Condition. These illnesses can be quite severe, and can cause significant suffering for patients and their families. Many psychological and biological treatments exist and are effective for these disorders. Our therapists and doctors are experts at providing evidence-based, empathic and effective treatments for these problems. 

People with depressive episode typically experience at least a few weeks of most of the following symptoms:

• Sad mood, with frequent crying spells
• Lack of interest in, or inability to enjoy, previously enjoyable activities
• Changes in appetite that result in weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Insomnia or oversleeping 
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Restlessness or irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness or persistent guilt 
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Ongoing body aches and pains, or problems with digestion that are not caused by physical disease 
• Increased drinking, cigarette smoking, or using prescription or illicit drugs
• Thoughts of death, suicide or attempted suicide – if this is the case seek help immediately 

People with manic episode typically experience at least a week of most of the following symptoms.

• Extremely elevated or euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Increased energy
• Decreased need for sleep
• Talking too fast, difficult to interrupt
• Impulsive, including spontaneous travel, with no concern for consequences
• Poor judgment, typically in the form of excessive spending or gambling, increased sexual activity, driving too fast, drug use 

People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experience symptoms of depression in a cyclic, seasonal pattern. This means that symptoms usually come back and go away at the same times every year. In most people, SAD symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during late spring and summer. Some people have the opposite pattern, developing SAD with the onset of spring or summer.