Mood Disorders Support Group of Guelph

 

Unipolar Affective Disorder (Depression) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (Manic-Depression) are disorders affecting mood and emotion.

Depressive Illness is characterized by a pervasive sadness far worse than the ordinary “blues”.

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by cyclic periods of depression and mania.

Both illnesses are often accompanied by anxiety and other disorders.

Mood disorders are caused by a variety of biological, psychological, interpersonal, and genetic factors.

Although there is no known cure for either illness, most people can be helped with medication and/or some form of psychotherapy.

It is conservatively estimated that 1.5% of the population have had Bipolar Disorder and that 10% have had Unipolar Disorder.  Over 80% of those affected will go untreated.

15% of people who have a significant mood disorder commit suicide.