Mood disorders comprise Depressive illnesses or Bipolar Affective disorders. Depression is more common than Bipolar disorder in both children and adults.
While mood disorders can present differently in children, compared with adults, Bipolar disorder generally has a much lower prevalence in children and may present with ‘exaggerated’ (and sometimes ‘extreme’) symptoms in the younger population.
Mood disorders are associated with a significant risk of self harm, suicide, medical problems and illicit drug and alcohol use. As such, people who experiences difficulties with their mood require careful and thorough assessments to ensure a timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention.