A mood disorder encompasses more than just its namesake. It is actually a variety of disorders that can make up the definition. In fact, mental health professionals use this term to cover bipolar disorders and different types of depression.
Here is more on mood disorders. What they are, which ones apply, and the types of treatment available.
What Kind of Mood Disorders Are There?
Mood disorders affect children, teenagers, and adults. There are a few of the most common types of mood disorders and these include:
Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
Bipolar disorder is a chronic or episodic (which means occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals) mental disorder. It can cause unusual, often extreme and fluctuating changes in mood, energy, activity, and concentration or focus. Bipolar disorder sometimes is called manic-depressive disorder or manic depression, which are older terms.
Major Depression
For those who may have major depression, it is indicative of at least a couple of weeks or more of feeling sad, a loss of interest in everything, hopeless feelings, and more
Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
This is indicative of its name. Substance-induced mood disorder is when a person is using drugs or alcohol and experiencing symptoms of depression due to it.
Dysthymia
With this disorder, a person stays in a bad mood, easily irritated, or has little interest in activities. This lasts for at least a couple of years.
Mood Disorder Related to Another Health Issue
This mood disorder is caused by depression related to a separate medical condition. For instance, a person who has cancer and is depressed.
Need More Information?
Call now to be connected with one of our friendly, helpful admissions specialists.Treatment for Mood Disorders
There is no blanket statement on what causes a person to have a mood disorder. And, there are varying factors in any of the ones mentioned. These factors may include things like stressful or traumatic life events, an imbalance of brain chemicals, or any number of reason – including genetics.
A professional in mental health has to make the diagnosis and this is done by a mental health evaluation as well as physical examinations.
Treatment for mood disorders includes a variety of options.
For example, some people feel that their mood disorder symptoms are minimized when using specific drugs like antidepressants. For others, psychotherapy is helpful. And for many, a combination of the two treatment plans work best.
A person may have a mood disorder for the rest of their lives but with treatment, the symptoms may be lessened or the person may learn to deal with them better.
Get the Help You Need
If you or a loved one has a mood disorder, Transformations can help with psychotherapy as well as helping you find the right medicine for your needs. There isn’t a single plan that covers every mood disorder – or even one particular mood disorder. Instead, a customized plan for each person is what is needed. If you need help, contact us so we can help start a plan to help you live a life with fewer symptoms.
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