what is categorized as a mood disorder?

Question

i have been diagnoised with depression years ago and also was told that i dont categorize as a bi polar situation. what i want to know is why do my moods go up and down frequently? i get days where i just dont want to be in the public or do anything, i dont want to socialize or do my house hold chores or anything. i love working out and keeping healthy but on these days i turn into a total hermit and just see everything in the negative and wonder why am i alive and what am i needed on this earth for? than there are days where i function normally. i dont get highs and do extravegant things that a bi polar patient does. can you help me? i was told to go on a low dose of a mood stabilizer but i am on so many meds i just hate it. i am on celexa and concerta for my adhd. i also am very pertinent of not gaining weight and increasing my appetite with any drugs and i know mood stabilizers do put weight on. help please!

freddie8605 · Accepted Answer

Here is a web site that shows what symptoms you must have and for how long to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder although it is important not to self diagnose to because that can be dangerous. So talking and working with a doctor/psychiatrist is very important. ADHD medication can make bipolar disorder worse in poeple with bipolar too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder

gofio · Answer

Exercise will help ~a little in my experience, to keep you in shape.  But the drugs will maybe give you a wolf's appetite that's extremely hard to curb. The often rotten side effects must be accepted if you want their benefits. Your choice. It's not easy to categorize what's wrong, changes take place & maybe you'll change categories? Once diagnosed it's very difficult to change the initial diagnosis, which may have been a swift affair. In the end you'll have to sort yourself out with whatever aid you will accept. Keep exercising, it will maintain your self esteem ~& may even help in other areas. Best wishes.George

Anneinside · Answer

You want help but you don't want to accept the help in the form of medication. Supposing you actually have bipolar, then a mood stabilizer is necessary if you actually want help. Not all of them contribute to weight gain. Also, even if a drug is associated with weight gain you can diet and exercise to keep it down.