Mood Disorders

What are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are a broad category of disorders that cover many mental health conditions that can impact your life, including depression. 20 million people of all ages in the U.S. (9.5% of the U.S. population) have mood disorders. While everyone has a bad day once in a while and gets unhappy or bad-tempered, for people with mood disorders, most days are characterized by unhappy thoughts and bad-tempered feelings. Some common mood disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorders
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Dysthymic disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder 
• Depression related to medical illness
• Depression induced by substance use or medication

A mood disorder can have a negative impact on your life - at work, at school, with family and friends. Children, adolescents, and adults can suffer from mood disorders. Most mood disorders are treatable, and with the right treatment, you can start feeling more like yourself again. 

Mood Disorder Symptoms

Your doctor can help you find the best course of treatment for your mood disorder. Every mood disorder has different symptoms, and each person experiences mood disorders differently. Some common symptoms that indicate that you should talk to your doctor about your mood include:

• Suicidal ideation or behavior including making suicide plans - call 911 immediately
• Self-harm including cutting
• Unusual or excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts
• A sudden onset of sadness or periods of sadness 
• A rapidly changing cycle of moods, like being very sad one day and very happy the next
• Changes in your mood when the seasons change
• Feeling like your mood is affecting your work or school life
• Losing interest in things that you normally enjoy
• Feeling as though you are looking at life outside of your body, like it is a TV show
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness and low self-esteem

Mood Disorder Causes and Risk Factors

A mood disorder may be something you only have happen to you a few times in your life, or it could be a chronic condition for which you will continue to need treatment. While the exact cause of mood disorders can’t be pinpointed, some of these factors are correlated with mood disorders:

• Experiencing trauma including war, domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse
• A brain injury or other traumatic injury or illness
• Substance misuse and excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol
• A family history of mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
• An imbalance of brain chemicals or other brain malfunction
• Loneliness or isolation
• A recent change in family or work life like getting divorced, losing your job, or a death in the family

Mood Disorder Treatment

Talk to your doctor right away if you’re experiencing any mood disorder symptoms. You and your doctor can come up with a care plan that fits your needs. Mood disorders can often be treated successfully with medication, therapy, and support. 

Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and mood stabilizers can help you start feeling better. Talk to your doctor to learn more about medication options.

Therapy: A therapist can help you find coping strategies and learn ways to control your mood disorder. See your therapy options at Sheppard Pratt.

Education: Learning more about mood disorders can help you recognize them and their triggers. These resources can help you learn more. 

Support: Getting the support that you need to overcome the complications of a mood disorder can help you feel better faster. Locate a support group at Sheppard Pratt.