Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state, leading to persistent disturbance in mood that significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being. These conditions go beyond normal fluctuations in mood. Associated symptoms often include changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and motivation. These conditions can impair how someone thinks, feels, behaves, and functions at work, school, social settings, and in relationships. Mood disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but occurrence increases with genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time. Early evaluation and personalized treatment can help individuals regain stability, improve coping skills, and restore emotional balance.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders are characterized by persistent elevated, expansive, or irritable mood called mania or hypomania. Most individuals with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes, often as the first episode. Common manic and hypomanic symptoms include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts or flight of ideas, rapid or pressured speech, distractibility, restlessness, impulsivity, increased goal-directed activities, and high-risk decision-making and behaviors including unrestrained spending, sexual indiscretions, and risky business investments. With the right combination of medication management, therapy, and lifestyle strategies, individuals with bipolar disorder can achieve long-term stability and lead fulfilling, productive lives.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is a disorder with at least one manic episode. However, some patients may have multiple manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. Manic episodes last at least one week with symptoms causing significant dysfunction and possibly psychotic symptoms. These mood episodes can disrupt careers, finances, and relationships. In severe cases, hospitalization is required to prevent harm to self or others.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a disorder with at least one hypomanic episode and no manic episodes. However, some patients may have multiple hypomanic and depressive episodes. Hypomanic episodes last at least four days with symptoms causing unequivocal change in function, but without severe impairment or possibly psychotic symptoms. Although symptoms may be less severe than Bipolar I Disorder, the cycling between moods can cause emotional instability, difficulty maintaining routines, and challenges with long-term planning.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar spectrum disorder involving frequent mood fluctuations between mild depressive symptoms and hypomanic symptoms over an extended period. While symptoms do not meet full criteria for major depressive or hypomanic episodes, the ongoing emotional instability can still be disruptive. Individuals may struggle with unpredictability in mood, energy, and motivation, which can complicate relationships, work consistency, and self-confidence. Over time, untreated cyclothymia may increase the risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder and can significantly affect emotional well-being and life stability.

Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders are characterized by a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. However, symptoms may vary from person to person. Common symptoms include fatigue or low energy, changes in sleep pattern, changes in appetite and weight, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, restlessness or fidgeting, slowed thinking or moving, feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness, hopelessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. Evidence-based treatment, such as medications and psychotherapy, can significantly relieve symptoms and help individuals return to a healthier, more engaged life.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder is a disorder with at least one depressive episode lasting at least two weeks with significant distress or dysfunction in a person's daily life. Depression can make even routine tasks feel overwhelming. Individuals may withdraw socially and struggle to maintain self-care, leading to a reduced overall quality of life. Some individuals may experience a single episode, while others may experience multiple depressive episodes in their lifetime. Postpartum Depression is a major depressive episode that occurs during pregnancy or soon after delivery, and is more severe than "baby blues." Seasonal Depression has multiple major depressive episodes occurring in a particular time of the year, more commonly in the autumn and winter months.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic form of depression, with symptoms equal to or less severe than major depressive disorder but are long-lasting and ongoing. Depressive symptoms lasts at least two years in adults and at least one year for children and adolescents, without relief from symptoms longer than two months at a time. Because symptoms persist for years, individuals may come to view them as part of their personality rather than a treatable condition. This can affect long-term goals, relationships, and overall life satisfaction, often leading to a sense of constant emotional heaviness. Over time, this constant emotional burden can erode motivation, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a cyclic form of depression that coincides with an individual's menstrual cycles. Symptoms include severe mood swings, depressed mood, increased sensitivity to rejection, feeling overwhelmed or out of control, irritability, anger, increased interpersonal conflicts, marked anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or on edge. Symptoms begin the final week before the onset of menses, start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, and resolve in the week postmenses.

Medical Disclaimer: Some of the content on this website was sourced from the American Psychiatric Association. Content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viewing this website does not establish a provider-patient relationship. The information is provided “as is” without warranty.

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