Mood disorder - Rejuvenate Clinic

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 dramatically impact daily functioning and quality of life. The two main categories are:

• Depressive disorders, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Examples are major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
• Bipolar disorders, characterized by shifts between depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes. Mania involves unusually elevated or irritable mood with increased energy. Examples are bipolar I and bipolar II disorder.

Common Signs of Mood Disorders

Here are some common symptoms of depressive and bipolar mood disorders:

• Depression: Persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide
• Mania: Heightened mood, increased energy and restlessness, impulsive behavior, rapid speech, reduced need for sleep

Causes

The exact causes of mood disorders are complex. Both biological and psychosocial factors are believed to contribute. Examples include:

• Brain chemistry imbalances involving neurotransmitters like serotonin
• Hormone changes
• Genetics
• Severe or chronic stress
• Trauma or loss
• Substance abuse

Getting Diagnosed

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist will evaluate symptoms, order lab tests, assess family history and lifestyle factors.

They may use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or tools like depression and mania rating scales. Proper diagnosis guides the treatment approach.

Treatment Options

Today there are many treatment options to stabilize mood disorders:

• Medications - Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics
• Psychotherapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Brain stimulation therapies - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
• Light therapy
• Alternative approaches - Meditation, yoga, exercise, omega-3s

The most effective strategy often combines medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Treatment needs may change over time. The key is tailoring the management plan to each patient's symptoms and situation.

With proper diagnosis and adherence to treatment, many people with mood disorders can regain emotional balance and enjoy full, meaningful lives. Ongoing support from family, friends or support groups is also tremendously helpful.

There is hope - mood disorders are treatable conditions given today's expanding treatment options and active research toward more effective therapies. Raising awareness and compassion about these challenging illnesses can help remove stigma and empower those struggling to reach out for help.