Affective disorders are a group of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s mood and emotions. The most common examples are depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder).
These conditions go beyond everyday ups and downs. For instance, depression involves long-lasting sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. In contrast, bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs (periods of high energy, euphoria, or irritability).
Affective disorders can influence not only how people feel but also how they think, behave, and function in daily life. They are caused by a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and life experiences.
Treatment often includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, with the goal of stabilising mood and improving quality of life. Understanding affective disorders is key to reducing stigma—they are not simply “moodiness” but medical conditions that deserve care and compassion.