Assistant Research Professor Emma K. Stapp authored an article in Brain and Behavior titled Specificity of affective dynamics of bipolar and major depressive disorder. Insights from this research highlight how mood patterns differ between Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), offering potential paths for more personalized treatments.
BD and MDD are mood disorders in which affected individuals experience issues with mood, energy, and activity. BD is marked by sharp mood swings, while MDD involves prolonged periods of low mood and energy. These fluctuations appear during episodes and can affect a person’s functioning between episodes. Understanding these shifts through research like Stapp’s can help improve treatments for individuals, impacting their quality of life.
To better understand how emotions fluctuate in people with different types of mood disorders, researchers are paving the way in this study using a complex method called dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM). The DSEM method combines various statistical techniques to look at mood changes over time, allowing the researchers to account for the fact that each person’s mood patterns are unique. Traditional methods of studying mood often rely on long-term recall, which can be inaccurate. Unlike previous methods, DSEM doesn't rely on rigid assumptions, giving a more accurate picture of how emotions vary in real life.
Key findings showed that all mood disorders were linked to higher sadness and anxiety, along with lower energy. However, people with Bipolar 1 had lower energy and activation than those with MDD, but when their activation increased, it tended to persist longer. Bipolar II patients showed more variability in sad and anxious moods, while MDD patients experienced a cycle where sadness and anxiety amplified each other and reduced energy. Further research will confirm how these patterns hold up over time, enlightening professionals on how these disorders affect individuals differently and allowing for more personalized treatment.