$Unique_ID{BRK04066} $Pretitle{} $Title{Organic Mood Syndrome} $Subject{Organic Mood Syndrome Organic Affective Syndrome Dysthymia Major Depression Cyclothymic Disorder Bipolar Manic-Depression Atypical Bipolar Disorder} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1991 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 829: Organic Mood Syndrome ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Organic Mood Syndrome) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Organic Affective Syndrome Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Dysthymia Major Depression Cyclothymic Disorder Bipolar Manic-Depression Atypical Bipolar Disorder General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Organic Mood Syndrome is a mental disorder due to physical causes. Either "manic" symptoms of unusual euphoria or irritability, or "depressive" symptoms of despondency, fear, anxiety, or suspiciousness may be present. Other symptoms may be present as well. Symptoms Organic Mood Syndrome is a mental disorder due to physical causes. Patients may feel either "manic" or "depressive." Manic symptoms include unusual happiness, euphoria, emotional instability, restlessness, or irritability. Depressive symptoms include sadness, lack of interests, anxiety, fear, suspiciousness, irritability, panic, worry about health, tearfulness, or brooding. Feelings of worthlessness, "persecution," delusions or hallucinations may also occur. Causes Organic Mood Syndrome has an underlying physical cause. Reserpine or methyldopa, which are drugs for treatment of hypertension, may cause depressive symptoms. Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticalism, or hypoadrenocorticalism can cause either depressive or manic symptoms. Carcinoma (cancer) of the pancreas, drugs which induce hallucinations, or illness caused by a virus may lead to Organic Mood Syndrome as may stroke, or other diseases of the brain. Affected Population Organic Mood Syndrome is a mental disorder due to physical causes which affects males and females of all ages in equal numbers. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Organic Mood Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Dysthymia is a common psychological disorder characterized by a chronic but mild depressive state that has been present in an individual for more than two years. During periods of depressed mood, there may be poor appetite or overeating, an inability to sleep (insomnia) or oversleeping (hypersomnia), low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions and feelings of hopelessness. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Dysthymia" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Major Depression is a mood disorder characterized by severe depression with loss of interest or pleasure in all or nearly all activities for a period of at least two weeks. Symptoms may include appetite disturbance, change in weight, sleep disturbance, decreased energy, agitated or slowed movements, feelings of worthlessness, excessive or inappropriate guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, or recurrent thoughts of death and suicide. This diagnosis is made only after it has been established that there are no underlying physical causes. Cyclothymic Disorder is a chronic mood disorder involving numerous periods of depression and a mild form of over-elation and hyperactivity (hypomania). Symptoms, which last at least two years, may be a little less severe than those in Major Depression and in manic occurrences. Bipolar Manic Depression is a mental illness in which intense mood swings occur, usually with remissions and recurrences. Depressive symptoms may be most common and can last at least a full day and perhaps several weeks or longer. Manic symptoms may involve hyperactivity and feelings of invincibility, happiness and restlessness. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Manic Depression" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Atypical Bipolar Disorder is a category for individuals with manic symptoms who cannot be classified as having Bipolar Manic Depression or Cyclothymic Disorder. For example, an individual who previously had a major depressive occurrence now has an episode of mild manic symptoms that are not of sufficient severity and duration to satisfy the criteria for a manic episode. This can be classified as Atypical Bipolar Disorder; this illness is also referred to as "Bipolar II." Therapies: Standard Once the underlying cause of Organic Mood Syndrome has been identified, necessary steps can be taken to treat the patient. If it is due to a certain drug, for example, other drugs may be prescribed instead; if it is caused by another disease, treatment of that disorder may result in the disappearance of the psychiatric symptoms. Counseling may also be of benefit. Therapies: Investigational As medical knowledge and technology advance more is learned about the human body, side effects of drugs, and neuropsychiatric illnesses. In the future it is hoped that scientists will be able to prevent disorders such as Organic Mood Syndrome, when brain chemistry is better understood. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through January 1991. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Organic Mood Syndrome, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 National Mental Health Association 1021 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-7722 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1901 N. Fort Meyer Dr., Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 524-7600 National Mental Health Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse 311 S. Juniper St., Rm. 902 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 735-2481 NIH/National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20205 (301) 443-4515 or (301) 496-1752 (800) 421-4211 (24 hrs.) References DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS, 3rd Ed. rev.: R.L. Spitzer, et al., eds; American Psychiatric Association, 1987. Pp. 111-112. DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORGANIC AFFECTIVE SYNDROME DURING A HYPERBARIC DIVING EXPERIMENT. A. Stoudemire, et al.; Am J Psychiatry (Oct 1984; issue 141 (10)). Pp. 1251-1254. MAJOR DEPRESSION VERSUS ORGANIC MOOD DISORDER: A QUESTIONABLE DISTINCTION. B.S. Fogel; J Clin Psychiatry (Feb 1990; issue 51 (2)). Pp. 53-56. MOOD CHANGES AFTER RIGHT-HEMISPHERE LESIONS. S.E. Starkstein, et al.; Br J Psychiatry (Jul 1989; issue 155). Pp. 79-85. ORGANIC MENTAL DISORDERS CAUSED BY HIV: UPDATE ON EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. S.W. Perry; Am J Psychiatry (Jun 1990; issue 147 (6)). Pp. 696- 710.