Mood disorders is an umbrella term that encompasses many of the different mental health conditions that impact mood. Generally, the effect on mood is negative, resulting in low mood, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness, but the causes and specific symptoms of a mood disorder can differ greatly depending on the specific type of mood disorder.
If you, a family member, or a friend is living with a mood disorder, this can provide insight into what they may be experiencing.
Mental Health Conditions that Affect Mood
Most mood disorders are a type of depression. For this reason, they will often produce symptoms of extreme and lasting sadness, lack of engagement, feelings of guilt, frustration and irritability, and thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness. In some cases, depression can cause thoughts of suicide.
Although they are mental health conditions, mood disorders can often produce physical symptoms as well such as tiredness, headaches, body aches, and changes to weight and appetite.
The specific mood disorders that cause these symptoms can include:
- Clinical Depression – Also called major depressive disorder, this is one of the most common mood disorders. It brings on a long period of intense sadness and emptiness.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder – This form of depression has more mild symptoms that last for at least two years or more. It is also called dysthymia.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD is associated with shorter daylight hours in the winter time or other seasonal changes that can upset a patient’s circadian rhythm, potentially leading to depression.
- Bipolar Disorder – Previously called manic depression, bipolar disorder alternates episodes of mania, causing upswings in mood and activity, with periods of depression.
- Cyclothymic Disorder – This condition is similar to bipolar disorder with mood changes between manic and depressed, but the episodes are not as severe.
- Postpartum Depression – Hormonal and lifestyle changes after giving birth can lead to persistent depression in the following months.
- Depression Due to Physical or Mental Illness – The challenges of living with chronic pain, a physical health condition, or a mental health condition can cause stress and depression.
- Substance Use Depression – Those using alcohol or other drugs may experience depression while using or withdrawing from substances.
Because of the variety of mood disorders, it can be difficult to understand that what you are experiencing is in fact a mental health condition. Working with a psychiatrist in Dallas who is familiar with all of the different mood disorders can help you determine what you are dealing with and provide effective treatment.
At Aware Behavioral Health, Dallas psychiatrist Dr. Sehdev works with you to understand your unique experiences and how those can contribute to mood disorders and other mental health conditions. Using this information, we can then determine a successful treatment plan to help you improve your mood and keep significant mood swings under control. Contact us today to learn more about mood disorders and depression treatment in Dallas.
