F30-F39: Mood [affective] disorders

F34: Persistent mood [affective] disorders

Persistent mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a group of psychiatric conditions where the primary symptom is a distorted or inappropriate mood. These moods, whether extremely low (depression) or high (mania), persist for long periods, often causing significant stress and difficulty in daily functioning. Some people experience cyclical or periodic changes in mood, alternating between periods of mania and depression. The cause of persistent mood disorders is often multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common symptoms may include feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or overly happy; loss of interest in activities; extreme variations in energy and activity levels; and problems with concentration, decision-making, or thinking. Progression of these disorders may vary greatly, from episodic with recovery to chronic with ongoing impairments in several aspects of life, including personal relationships, academic performance, and occupational functioning.