Mood Disorders

Your mood can impact every aspect of your life, from your relationships and family to your overall well-being. Mood is impacted by various biological, psychological, and environmental factors. These factors influence how you experience and respond to emotions, shaping your day-to-day interactions and quality of life. 

Some people struggle with maintaining a healthy mood or emotional state. These individuals may have a mood disorder. A mood disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant disturbances in a person’s emotional state that interfere with their ability to function normally in daily life.

This article discusses mood disorders and treatment. You will learn:

• What mood disorders are
• The most common types of mood disorders
• Risk factors for mood disorders
• Your treatment options

If you or a loved one need treatment for mood disorders in Fort Pierce, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Agape Behavioral Center today.

What are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect your emotional state. While there are many different types of mood disorders, this type of mental disorder can cause feelings of sadness, irritability, and anger.[1] However, a mood disorder is more than simply feeling sad; people with mood disorders may experience a disconnect between the way they feel and their life circumstances. Even when everything in life is going well, individuals with mood disorders may still struggle with their mood.

Types of Mood Disorders

An estimated 21.4% of U.S. adults have a mood disorder.[2] However, there are many types of mood disorders. The most common are:

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

It’s important to note that depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch; it’s a serious condition that can impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being. It can vary in severity and duration, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities.

There are many different types of depression. Some of the most common are:

• Major depression – This is the most common type of depression characterized by severe symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy activities. Episodes may occur once or multiple times in a lifetime.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – SAD is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually in the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight.
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) – Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression where symptoms are present most days for at least two years. Symptoms are milder than major depression but can last longer.
• Postpartum depression – Depression that occurs in women at the end or after pregnancy.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Approximately 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Depression is about 50% more common in women than it is in men.[3]

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect energy levels, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

There are a few subtypes of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I – This subtype involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes typically also occur, lasting at least two weeks.
• Bipolar II – Bipolar II involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full manic episodes). Hypomanic episodes do not cause the severe problems that manic episodes can.
• Cyclothymia – Cyclothymia involves periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.

About 2.8% of American adults have bipolar disorder.[4]

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects between 3-8% of menstruating individuals.[5] It is characterized by significant emotional and physical symptoms that occur cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically in the week or two before menstruation begins. These can include severe mood swings, feelings of sadness or despair, irritability or anger, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

Mood swings and depression are often linked to substance abuse. People who struggle with substance use disorder may be vulnerable to developing a substance-induced mood disorder.

Mood Disorder Linked to Another Health Condition

Certain health conditions, such as cancer, chronic pain, injury, terminal illness, and long-lasting infections can cause symptoms of depression and other disorders.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

DMDD is a childhood-onset disorder characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation at hand. Children with this condition experience a persistent irritable or angry mood between outbursts.[6]

Risk Factors for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (depression) and bipolar disorder, can be influenced by a variety of risk factors, including:[1,7]

• Genetics – Having a family history of mood disorders increases the likelihood of developing one. Research suggests that genetic factors contribute significantly to the risk of mood disorders.
• Biological factors – Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain), such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, play a role in mood regulation and can contribute to mood disorders.
• Environmental stressors – Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship problems, financial difficulties, or trauma (physical or emotional), can trigger or exacerbate mood disorders.
• Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, such as chronic illness, chronic pain, or hormonal disorders (e.g., thyroid problems), can contribute to the development of mood disorders.
• Substance abuse – Alcohol and drug abuse can worsen or trigger mood disorders, and vice versa.
• Significant life events – Major life events, transitions, or hormonal changes (e.g., puberty, menopause) can affect mood regulation and increase vulnerability to mood disorders.
• Psychological factors – Unresolved conflicts, poor coping skills, or negative thinking patterns, can contribute to the onset or persistence of mood disorders.

While these factors can increase the risk of developing a mood disorder, not everyone with these risk factors will develop one. Additionally, mood disorders are complex conditions influenced by a combination of factors, and individual experiences can vary widely. Even when diagnosed with a mood disorder, individual symptoms can vary from person to person.

Mood Disorder Treatment Options

Therapy, medications, self-care, and support groups are all effective treatment options for mood disorders. Depending on the type of mood disorder, antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be prescribed. These medications, combined with psychotherapy, can be effective in minimizing symptoms and enabling individuals to live fulfilling lives.

Therapies used to treat mood disorders may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Transcranial stimulation (for treatment-resistant cases)

In treatment, individuals are also encouraged to develop healthy lifestyle habits that help combat depression. This includes participating in support groups, eating a healthy diet, maintaining positive sleep hygiene, and getting enough exercise.

Find Treatment for Mood Disorders in Fort Pierce, FL

At Agape Behavioral Center, we understand that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide the highest quality mental health treatment and support for patients who are struggling. We believe in the power of connection, empathy, and understanding, and we strive to create a safe treatment experience where everyone feels valued. 

To learn more about our mood disorder treatment program in Fort Pierce or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.

References:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Mood Disorders
2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Any Mood Disorder
3. World Health Organization (WHO): Depressive disorder (depression)
4. NIMH: Bipolar Disorder
5. National Institute of Health: Premenstrual Syndrome
6. NIMH: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: The Basics
7. Yale Medicine: Mood Disorders