Mood Disorders

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a category of mental health conditions that primarily involve disturbances in a person's mood. These disorders can significantly impact daily functioning, affecting your emotional state, energy levels, and ability to carry out everyday activities. 

Mood disorders can range from prolonged periods of sadness or excessive elation to severe mood swings.

What are the most common mood disorders?

The most common mood disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD is marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or enjoyment in most activities. Additional symptoms may include alterations in appetite, sleep issues, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder features alternating phases of depression and mania or hypomania. During manic episodes, you may experience elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. Depressive episodes mirror the symptoms of major depression.

Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)

Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression where you experience a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years but not meeting the full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

At Pro Psychiatry Nursing Corporation, mood disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by your mental health professional, which may include:

• Clinical interviews: discussions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health issues
• Questionnaires and rating scales: the use of tools like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to help quantify the severity of symptoms
• Physical examination and lab tests: used to rule out other medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies

You can also rely on Pro Health Psychiatry Nursing Corporation to keep your information confidential.

How are mood disorders treated?

Treatment for mood disorders often involves a combination of therapies tailored to your needs, including:

• Medications
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Support groups

Your provider develops a personalized treatment plan and makes adjustments as needed over time to ensure the best outcome.

Call or book an appointment online now if you have concerns about mood disorders.