Mood Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Mood Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
It is natural to have changes in mood, but what happens when it gets in the way of your day-to-day functioning? One in five U.S. adults live with a mental health illness, and some of these mental health problems are mood disorders.
There are different types of mood disorders with varying symptoms. It is essential to be aware of symptoms because some people do not realize they do not have to struggle alone; there is mental health support out there.
Read on to learn the mood disorder symptoms and treatment options to get the support you or a loved one needs.
What Is a Mood Disorder?
This is an umbrella term for different mental health disorders that severely impact your mood and functioning. A person may experience extreme emotions, including extreme happiness or sadness. It covers all types of depression and bipolar disorders, but symptoms can vary depending on the individual and their age.
Types of Mood Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) separated mood disorders into depressive disorders and bipolar and related disorders. Some common types of mood disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Postpartum disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
There are a variety of different types of mood disorders. Major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression. Bipolar 1 disorder used to be named manic depression. Bipolar II disorder includes at least one episode of severe mania and depression without manic episodes.
Mood Disorder Symptoms
There are different mood disorder symptoms depending on the individual and their specific diagnosis. However, all these mood-related mental health problems are related to extreme changes in mood that impact daily functioning. Common mood disorder symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Loss of self-worth or hopelessness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty focusing
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Persistent low mood
- Lack of interest in activities
Symptoms usually last for days or weeks at a time. Bipolar disorders also include hypomanic or manic episodes involving risk-taking behavior, racing thoughts, extreme energy, and elation. A professional medical professional will diagnose a mood disorder.
Causes of Mood Disorders
No one reason causes mood disorders. It depends on the individual, genetic, environmental, biological, and other factors. However, family history, trauma, physical illness, and substances can all be causes.
Mood Disorder Treatment Options
Mood disorder treatment can involve medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. However, psychotherapy is usually needed to address the root causes of issues and negative thought patterns. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an option for a treatment-resistant mood disorder; find out more here.
Treat Your Mood Disorder
Recognizing you have mood disorder symptoms and reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. There is help out there, so do not delay seeking treatment. It is also important to know you are not alone, as many people experience mental health problems in their lifetime and recover.
Did you find this article helpful? Read on for more ways to support your mental health.
