Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a category of mental health problems that have a profound impact on a person's emotions and mood. The main types of mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and cyclothymia.
Mood disorders can significantly interfere with a person's ability to handle day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Symptoms vary depending on the specific disorder but may include:
- Depressed mood - feeling sad, empty, hopeless or irritable most of the day - Diminished interest in activities - loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities - Changes in appetite and sleep - significant weight loss/gain or insomnia/hypersomnia - Fatigue and loss of energy - feeling tired despite adequate rest - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt - excessive feelings of low self-esteem or inappropriate guilt - Difficulty concentrating - trouble focusing, indecisiveness
Major depressive disorder, sometimes called clinical depression, involves periods of severe depressive symptoms that last at least two weeks. Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Dysthymia is a milder but chronic form of depression.
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, alternates between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. Mania involves elevated mood, increased energy and activity, racing thoughts, and risky behavior.
Cyclothymic disorder involves fluctuating mood states between hypomania and depression that don't reach the severity of full mania or major depression. Mood episodes shift frequently over time.
If you are struggling with feelings of depression or uncontrolled mood swings, please know that you're not alone. Reach out to a mental health professional or try our compassionate care at Hormone Harmony Clinic. Our integrative therapies can help you rebalance your mood, mind and body. Let us help you thrive!
Mood disorders often run in families and have a biological basis in brain chemistry and hormones. Imbalances in chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine play a key role. Stressful life events can also trigger mood episodes in susceptible individuals.
Effective treatments are available, including:
- Antidepressant medications - SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants - Mood stabilizers - Lithium, anticonvulsants - Psychotherapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy - Light therapy - Vagus nerve stimulation - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
With appropriate treatment and self-care, many people with mood disorders can regain emotional stability and return to full, meaningful lives. Don't lose hope!
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on mood disorders! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you greater peace and joy ahead!