Mood Disorders
Mood Disorders
Emotional fluctuations are part of life, but mood disorders involve persistent patterns that significantly impact daily functioning. Those with mood disorders may experience extreme highs, debilitating lows, or cycling between both states in ways that affect relationships, work, and overall stability. Mood disorders include bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and related conditions characterized by significant mood episodes. If you're experiencing extreme mood shifts, prolonged depression, or episodes of elevated energy, please discuss your symptoms with our qualified clinicians.
What Is A Mood Disorder?
Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions characterized by significant disturbances in emotional state. Bipolar disorder alone affects approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults, with mood disorders overall impacting millions. While symptoms often first appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, mood disorders can develop at any age.
Unlike normal mood variations, mood disorders involve episodes that are more intense, longer-lasting, and disruptive to daily life. These conditions affect emotional regulation, energy levels, sleep, and cognitive function, requiring professional treatment for stability and quality of life.
Mood Disorder Symptoms In Adolescents
Recognizing mood disorders in adolescents can be challenging, as teens naturally experience emotional changes. However, mood disorders involve more extreme patterns. Parents and educators should look for the following signs. Their home and school environment should be observed.
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Prolonged sadness or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Social withdrawal
- Declining academic performance
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Fatigue and low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Talk of death or self-harm
Manic/Hypomanic Symptoms:
- Unusually elevated or irritable mood
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Increased goal-directed activity
- Risky or impulsive behaviors
- Grandiose beliefs about abilities
- Poor judgment
- Reliance on caffeine
Signs And Symptoms In Adults
Mood disorders are diagnosed in adults based on patterns of mood episodes and their impact on functioning. Diagnosis can be complex because symptoms overlap with other psychiatric conditions.
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite and weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death
- Psychomotor changes
Manic/Hypomanic Symptoms:
- Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- Increased energy and activity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased goal-directed activity
- Excessive involvement in risky activities
- Inflated self-esteem
- Impaired judgment
Our Treatment Approach for Mood Disorders
What Causes What Causes Mood Disorders
The exact cause involves multiple factors. Genetics plays the most significant role, with mood disorders running strongly in families.
Other risk factors include:
- Family history of mood disorders
- Brain structure and chemistry differences
- Significant life stressors
- Trauma or adverse experiences
- Substance use
How Is Insomnia Treated
Mood disorders are highly treatable with appropriate care. Most individuals achieve significant stability with consistent treatment and lifestyle management.
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy)
- Psychoeducation and self-management
Medication Management
Medication is often a cornerstone of mood disorder treatment, helping regulate brain chemistry to prevent extreme mood episodes. Our psychiatric providers specialize in evaluating and monitoring treatment effectiveness. It is important to consult a mental health provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy is essential in mood disorder treatment, helping individuals recognize mood patterns, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability. Adults benefit from structured approaches that complement medication management.
Areas of focus include:
- Recognizing early warning signs
- Developing mood monitoring skills
- Building consistent routines
- Managing stress and triggers
- Improving interpersonal relationships
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintaining consistent sleep schedules
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding alcohol and recreational substances
- Building a strong support network
- Tracking moods and triggers
- Managing stress proactively
Find Help With Your Anxiety At
We offer comprehensive treatment plans for people with mood disorders. Depending on the client’s needs, this may include medication management and supportive therapy.
Coded Healthcare also offers telepsychiatry as an option for patients who opt for the convenience of their homes. Being unable to come into the office should not prohibit anyone from receiving mood disorder management services. We will tailor a treatment plan to fit your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I do if I or a loved one think they have a mood disorder?
Contact a mental health provider to discuss your symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
What is the difference between bipolar disorder and depression?
While depression involves only depressive episodes, bipolar disorder includes both depressive episodes and periods of mania or hypomania.
How are mood disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation of mood patterns, symptom history, family history, and sometimes psychological testing.
How can Coded Healthcare help with my mood disorder?
Our clinicians provide personalized treatment including medication management, therapy, and ongoing monitoring to maintain stability.