Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect your emotional state, causing you to experience periods of extreme sadness, happiness, or both. It is possible to treat mood disorders with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, mood disorders can interfere with your daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
It is not known exactly what causes mood disorders, but they may involve a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Factors genetically related to mood disorders, such as having a family history or inheriting genes that affect brain chemistry
An abnormal level or activity of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry messages between brain cells, can affect the brain
Having hormone imbalances or fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Your mood may be affected by environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, abuse, loss, or other life events
Having other physical or mental health conditions that affect your mood, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or anxiety disorders, can affect your mood.
Mood-altering substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or medications
People who suffer from mood disorders experience different symptoms depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as their own characteristics. However, some common symptoms of mood disorders include:
Sad, hopeless, guilty, worthless, or empty
A feeling of happiness, euphoria, irritability, or restlessness
Shifting between different emotional states or mood swings
Having a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite, weight, sleep, or energy
Having trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or pain
Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions
A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor, can diagnose mood disorders by asking about your medical history, symptoms, and family background. In order to rule out other possible causes of your mood problems, such as medical conditions or substance abuse, they will also conduct a physical examination and some tests. Your mood disorder may also be assessed using certain criteria or scales.
Mood disorders include:
Clinical depression (MDD) is characterized by persistent and severe symptoms of depression that last for at least two weeks and interfere with daily life.
In bipolar disorder, you have episodes of depression alternated with episodes of mania, which is a state of elevated or irritable mood that lasts for at least a week and affects your daily life
Dysthymia is characterized by chronic and mild symptoms of depression that last for at least two years and impair your daily functioning.
It is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression that occur during certain seasons of the year, usually winter, and improve during other seasons, usually summer.
PMDD is characterized by severe and recurrent depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings occurring during the week before your period and improving after it begins.
Children and adolescents with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) exhibit chronic and severe symptoms of irritability, anger, and temper outbursts that impair their social, academic, or family functioning.
Medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes can be used to treat mood disorders. You will choose the type and dose of medication and the frequency and type of psychotherapy depending on your mood disorder, as well as your preferences and needs. There are many possible treatments for mood disorders, including:
In antidepressants, certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, are increased.
Stabilizers, such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine, are medications that balance the levels or activity of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, reducing the frequency and intensity of mood swings or episodes.
In some mood disorders, like psychotic depression or bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are used to treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions, by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, such as risperidone, olanzapine, or quetiapine.
The goal of psychotherapy is to help you understand and cope with your mood problems by providing support, guidance, and skills, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and family therapy.
In order to improve your mood and well-being, you can make changes in your daily habits and routines, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and drugs, managing stress, and seeking social support.
Mood disorders may be caused by factors beyond your control, such as genetics or life events, but you can take some steps to reduce your risk, such as:
Following your treatment plan as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of mood problems
Report any side effects or concerns you have to your doctor as soon as possible
Practicing the skills you learn in therapy
Your doctor or therapist should be kept informed about any changes in your mood or symptoms
Assessing your condition and adjusting your treatment based on regular check-ups and tests
You should avoid triggers or situations that may worsen your mood or cause stress, such as conflicts, losses, or changes.
The importance of educating yourself and others about mood disorders and their effects on your health and well-being
Sharing your experiences, feelings, and tips with a support group or online community for people with mood disorders
