Mood disorders are a category of mental illnesses that cause severe disturbances in a person's emotions and mood. They range from the severe depression of major depressive disorder to the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder. Core symptoms include feeling persistently sad or down, losing interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in weight and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and suicidal thoughts.
Common Types of Mood Disorders
- Major depressive disorder (MDD). Characterized primarily by long-term (over 2 weeks) sever depression. Other symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Persistent depressive disorder. A long-term (over 2 years) less-severe form of depression. Symptoms similar to MDD.
- Bipolar disorder. Cycles between severe depression and extreme high energy emotional states called manic episodes or hypomanic episodes. Additional symptoms include unusual thought patterns and disrupted sleep patterns.
Causes of Mood Disorders
Exact causes for mood disorders remain unclear, but research has determined that they result from a complex interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. Contributing factors include:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain, like low serotonin levels
- Hormonal changes and sleep-wake cycle disruptions
- Chronic illness or unmanaged pain
- Stressful events and circumstances
- Family history and genetic predisposition
Treatment for Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are highly treatable in most cases with a comprehensive treatment plan:
- Medications. Such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs to help balance brain chemicals. TVitality Health Center offers genetic testing to determine which medications may be most effective based on your DNA.
- Psychotherapy. Also called talk therapy, helps patients recognize unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns. Both individual and group therapy are common treatments.
- Lifestyle changes. Improving diet and exercise habits, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep supports overall treatment plans. Light therapy and pet therapy may also be beneficial.
- For severe cases where others treatments prove ineffective, brain stimulation therapies like electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive TMS are options.
Our specialized psychiatrists will help determine and effective treatment plan for relief from your symptoms and restoring your mood and joy for life.