Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. Mood disorders can significantly impact daily functioning, quality of life, and relationships.

The two main categories of mood disorders are:

• Depressive disorders - characterized by intense and persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Examples include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.


• Bipolar disorders - characterized by extreme mood shifts between manic highs and depressive lows. Examples are bipolar I and bipolar II disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mood disorders vary but generally include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or irritability


• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed


• Changes in appetite and sleep habits


• Difficulty concentrating


• Fatigue and lack of energy


• Thoughts of death or suicide

In bipolar disorder, additional symptoms during manic phases include:

• Extreme euphoria and bursts of energy


• Impulsive decision making


• Risky behavior

Causes

Research suggests mood disorders likely arise from a complex interaction of:

• Biological factors - changes in brain structure and chemistry


• Genetics and family history


• Significant life stressors


• Substance abuse or medical conditions

Effective treatments are available through mental health professionals. The most common treatments include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, self-care strategies (regular exercise, stress reduction, proper sleep and diet), or often a combination approach.

If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of depression or mania, the medical providers at Balance Health Clinic can help. Our compassionate healthcare professionals provide confidential consultations, testing, and personalized treatment plans using the latest advancements in integrative psychiatry and hormone therapy. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards mental wellness with Balance Health Clinic.

I hope this overview on mood disorders helps provide some insight into these complex conditions that impact many. Please share any other questions below!