Julia Ross' THE MOOD CURE

TAKE THE MOOD TYPE QUESTIONNAIRE

Check the box next to each symptom that you identify with. Click the "click to total" box for your score and compare it to the cut-off score. If your score is over the cut-off, or if you have only a few of the symptoms described in a section, but they bother you (or those close to you) on a regular basis, turn to the chapter indicated.

Type 1. Under a Dark Cloud: Low in SEROTONIN

Do you have a tendency to be negative, to see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full? Do you have dark, pessimistic thoughts?

Do you really dislike the dark weather or have a clear-cut fall/winter depression (SAD)?

Are you often worried and anxious?

Do you have feelings of low self-esteem and lack confidence? Do you easily get to feeling self-critical and guilty?

Does your behavior often get a bit, or a lot, obsessive? Is it hard for you to make transitions, to be flexible? Are you a perfectionist, a neatnik, or a control freak? A computer, TV, or work addict?

Are you apt to be irritable, impatient, edgy, or angry?

Do you tend to be shy or fearful? Do you get nervous or panicky about heights, flying, enclosed spaces, public performance, spiders, snakes, bridges, crowds, leaving the house, or anything else?

Are you hyperactive, restless, can’t slow down or turn your brain off?

Have you had anxiety attacks or panic attacks (your heart races, it's hard to breathe)?

Do you have facial or body tics, or Tourette’s?

Do you get PMS or menopausal moodiness (tears, anger, depression)?

Do you hate hot weather?

Are you a night owl, or do you often find it hard to get to sleep, even though you want to?

Do you wake up in the night, have restless or light sleep, or wake up too early in the morning?

Do you routinely like to have sweet or starchy snacks, wine, or marijuana in the afternoons, evenings, or in the middle of the night (but not earlier in the day)?

Do you find relief from any of the above symptoms through exercise?

Have you had fibromyalgia (unexplained muscle pain) or TMJ (pain, tension, and grinding associated with your jaw)?

Have you had suicidal thoughts or plans?

Total Score: 0

If your score is more than 12 in Part 1, turn to Chapter 3, page 25

Type 2. Feeling the Blahs: Low in NOREPINEPHRIN or Thyroid

Do you often feel depressed - the flat, bored, apathetic kind?

Are you low on physical or mental energy? Do you feel tired a lot, have to push yourself to exercise?

Is your drive, enthusiasm, and motivation quota on the low side?

Do you have difficulty focusing or concentrating?

Are you easily chilled? Do you have cold hands or feet?

Do you tend to put on weight too easily?

Do you feel the need to get more alert and motivated by consuming a lot of coffee or other "uppers" like sugar, diet soda, ephedra, or cocaine?

Total Score: 0

If your score is more than 6 in Part 2, turn to Chapter 4, page 53.

Type 3. Over Stressed: Low in GABA or Cortisol

Do you often feel overworked, pressured, or deadlined?

Do you have trouble relaxing or loosening up?

Does your body tend to be stiff, uptight, tense?

Are you easily upset, frustrated, or snappy under stress?

Do you often feel overwhelmed or as though you just can't get it all done?

Do you feel weak or shaky at times?

Are you sensitive to bright light, noise, or chemical fumes? Do you need to wear dark glasses a lot?

Do you feel significantly worse if you skip meals or go too long without eating?

Do you use tobacco, alcohol, food, or drugs to relax and calm down?

Total Score: 0

If your score is more than 8 in Part 3, turn to Chapter 5, page 77.

Type 4. Too Sensitive for Life’s Pain: Low in ENDORPHIN

Do you consider yourself or do others consider you to be very sensitive? Does emotional pain, or perhaps physical pain, really get to you?

Do you tear up or cry easily - for instance, even during TV commercials?

Do you tend to avoid dealing with painful issues?

Do you find it hard to get over losses or get through grieving?

Have you been through a great deal of physical or emotional pain?

Do you crave pleasure, comfort, reward, enjoyment, or numbing from treats like chocolate, bread, wine, romance novels, marijuana, tobacco, or lattes?

Total Score: 0

If your score is more than 6 in Part 4, turn to Chapter 6, page 100.

Type 5. Mood Swinger: Unstable BLOOD SUGAR

Do you crave a lift from sweets or alcohol, but later experience a drop in mood and energy after ingesting them?

Do you get dizzy, weak, or headachy if meals are delayed?

Do you have a family history of hypoglycemia, diabetes, or alcoholism?

Are you nervous, jittery, irritable, inattentive on and off throughout the day; but calmer after meals?

Do you have crying spells?

Do you have intermittent mental confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating?

Do you have heart palpitations, rapid pulse?

Do you have frequent thirst?

Do you get night sweats (not menopausal)?

Do you get sores on legs that take a long time to heal?

Total Score: 0

If your score is more than 12 in TYPE 5, turn to Chapters 7-9 of The Mood Cure

THE MOOD CURE

By Author

JULIA ROSS

of the Recovery Systems Clinic