Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Affective Disorders

Definition

Affective disorders are psychiatric diseases with multiple aspects, including biological, behavioral, social, and psychological factors. Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, and anxiety disorders are the most common affective disorders. The effects of these disorders—such as difficulties in interpersonal relationships and an increased susceptibility to substance abuse—are major concerns for parents, teachers, physicians, and the community. Affective disorders can result in symptoms ranging from the mild and inconvenient to the severe and life-threatening; the latter account for more than 15% of deaths due to suicide among those with one of the disorders.

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as monopolar depression or unipolar affective disorder, is a common, severe, and sometimes life-threatening psychiatric...