Emotion dysregulation in mood disorders: a review of current challenges
Emotion dysregulation in mood disorders: a review of current challenges

Summary/Abstract: Background: Emotion dysregulation is not a new concept in mood disorder research. During the last two decades, it has received considerable attention and has been frequently discussed. However, there are still notable research gaps regarding the role of emotion dysregulation in mood disorders other than major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Method: Between-studies literature review was applied to a set of articles published between 1990 and 2016. Results of theoretical and empirical studies were compared. Sets of inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Results: Analysis showed serious problems regarding definitions of emotion regulation as a concept and with creating boundaries between this concept and other similar concepts. Significant levels of inconsistencies and a lack of systematization in this area were detected, especially in research related to neurological correlates of emotion regulation in mood disorders. Other conceptual challenges were outlined as well. Conclusion: There is a strong need to enhance current knowledge about emotion dysregulation in mood disorders. It is necessary for experimental studies of interest to be aligned with current findings and norms. A rather good base has been set, but there is still a lot of room for improvement as some of the identified challenges will remain.

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