A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. An individual suffering from a mood disorder may experience long periods of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or both.
The different types of mood disorders include major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, substance-induced mood disorder or a mood disorder related to another health condition.
What are some mood disorder symptoms?
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Major Depression:
- Feelings of sadness most of the time or nearly every day
- Lack of energy or feeling sluggish
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Gaining or losing weight
- Loss of interest in activities that brought joy previously
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Frequent thoughts about death and suicide
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
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Bipolar Disorder:
- Feeling extremely energized or elated
- Rapid speech or movement
- Agitation, restlessness, or irritability
- Risk-taking behavior
- Racing thoughts
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Feeling jumpy or on edge
How are mood disorders treated?
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- Medications targeted to treat depression and/or bipolar disorders
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Brain stimulation therapies
- Seasonal depression treatments (talk therapy, light therapy, vitamin D supplements)
Mood disorders are the most common cause of hospitalization for all people in the U.S. under age 45 (excluding hospitalization related to pregnancy and birth). More than 19 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Be sure to seek help if you feel like you struggle with any of these symptoms. If you or someone you know struggles with mood disorders or mood disorder symptoms, talk to a doctor or contact us at Rise Counseling & Diagnostics today to Get Started.
References include clevelandclinic.org, rogersbh.org, and hopkinsmedicine.org.
