Mood Disorders

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect your emotional state of mind. You might experience periods of extreme happiness cycled with extreme sadness, constant depression, irritability, or anger. Depression and bipolar disorder are the most common types of mood disorders.

What are the different types of mood disorders?

Examples of mood disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Depression with psychosis
• Postpartum depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
• Bipolar I disorder
• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymia disorder
• Unspecified bipolar disorders

All of these disorders affect your mood and can become debilitating when left untreated. 

They may contribute to severe sadness and continuous mood swings. You might feel sad most of the time, become hopeless, feel constantly tired, or experience thoughts of suicide. Difficulty concentrating and sleeping are also symptoms of mood disorders.

What are the risk factors for a mood disorder?

Mood disorder risk factors include genetic factors, brain changes, stress, loss of a loved one, childhood abuse, and other traumatic life events. Depression has been linked to chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. However, the exact cause of your mood disorder may not be clear.

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing mood disorders at a1 Family Psychiatry consists of a psychiatric evaluation and discussion about your behavior patterns, thoughts, moods, emotions, and more. The team also reviews your symptoms and medical history, lifestyle, medications, and treatment goals.

How are mood disorders treated?

The most common mood disorder treatments include making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing psychotherapy. The team may suggest dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other forms of therapy that stabilize your mood and help you rediscover joy. 

They follow up weekly or as needed to ensure your treatment is effective. It’s also important to take any medications as prescribed, eat nutritious foods, stay active, minimize stress, and get plenty of sleep. Call the a1 Family Psychiatry office at any time with questions.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth mood disorders evaluation at a1 Family Psychiatry by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.