F38.8: Other specified mood [affective] disorders

Other specified mood disorders, commonly known as affective disorders, encompass a range of mental health conditions characterized primarily by consistent alterations in mood that don't fit the criteria for specific established mood disorders. These conditions may manifest in periods of elevated energy and euphoria (mania), cycles of intense despair (depression), or a combination of both. They might also present with other emotional states that aren't typically linked with a major mood disorder. It's crucial to note that these mood changes go beyond just feeling "happy" or "sad" – they are persistent, intense, and interfere with daily life. Symptoms may include unexplained crying, irritability, sleep problems, loss of interest in daily activities, feeling hopeless, and even physical symptoms such as fatigue or aches. The exact cause of these disorders is unknown but could involve both environmental and genetic factors; stress and traumatic events may trigger them.

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