Mood Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Mood Disorders?
A psychiatrist, a mental health doctor, often treats mood disorders. A psychologist, a talk therapy expert, can help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are mood disorders?
Most people feel sad or irritable from time to time. A mood disorder is different. It affects a person's everyday emotional state.
Nearly one in ten adults have mood disorders. These include depression and bipolar disorder (manic depression). Mood disorders can raise the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
Types of mood disorders include:
- Major depression means low mood or loss of interest for at least 2 weeks.
- Persistent depressive disorder has milder symptoms that last at least 2 years.
- Seasonal affective disorder is depression that comes and goes with the seasons.
- Bipolar disorder has low times and manic times. Manic times bring high mood, irritability, or lots of activity.
Symptoms
Not everyone who is depressed has all of these symptoms. Common signs of depression include:
- A sad, anxious, or empty mood that does not go away.
- Feelings of helplessness, guilt, or worthlessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or weight.
- Aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems with no clear physical cause.
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
Bipolar disorder adds manic episodes. Signs can include:
- Feeling very up, high, or extremely irritable.
- Racing thoughts.
- A decreased need for sleep.
- Talking fast about a lot of different things.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. Many things play a role in depression: genes, biology, surroundings, and psychological factors.
Bipolar disorder often runs in families. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause it. Trauma or other stressful life events may make it more likely in people with a genetic risk. Symptoms most often start in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Hormone changes can bring on a depressive episode in some people. They happen around pregnancy, childbirth, periods, and menopause.
How doctors diagnose it
A person must have symptoms for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed with depression. The symptoms must be there most of the day, nearly every day. One symptom must be low mood or a loss of interest in most activities.
Some medicines and medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A provider can rule these out with a physical exam, an interview, and lab tests.
To check for bipolar disorder, a provider may do a physical exam. They may order tests to rule out other illnesses. They may also send the person to a mental health professional.
Treatment
Treatments include medicine, talk therapy, or both.
For milder depression, talk therapy is often tried first. People with moderate or severe depression usually get medicine at the start too.
Antidepressants are common medicines for depression. They take time, often 4 to 8 weeks, to work. Children, teens, and young adults under 25 may have more suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants. This can happen in the first few weeks, or when the dose is changed.
For bipolar disorder, treatment is medicine, talk therapy, or both. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium or valproate, are common. So are atypical antipsychotics. Antidepressants used alone can trigger a manic episode or rapid cycling. So doctors do not use them alone.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not stop a medicine without talking to your health care provider first.
Brain stimulation therapy may be an option when other treatments have not worked. The FDA has not approved any natural products for treating depression.
When to see a doctor
If signs of depression do not go away, talk to a health care provider. If you see signs of depression in someone you know, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can evaluate your symptoms, follow your progress, and refer you to a mental health professional.
Common questions
Is bipolar disorder the same as depression?
No. Bipolar disorder includes low moods and also manic episodes. In a manic episode, mood is very high or irritable.
Can mood disorders be treated?
Yes. Treatments include medicine, talk therapy, or both. With treatment, most people with mood disorders can lead productive lives.
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Antidepressants take time, often 4 to 8 weeks, to work.
Does bipolar disorder run in families?
Often, yes. It often runs in families. But not everyone with a family history will develop it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Mood Disorders
- National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health - Bipolar Disorder
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
