Mood Disorder
A mood disorder is a broad term used to describe mental health conditions that affect your emotional state.
Is Treatment Available In My State?What is a Mood Disorder?
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that disrupt a person’s emotional state. Unlike normal mood swings, which come and go, mood disorders last longer and affect daily life.
By definition, mood disorders include different depression and bipolar disorders. Depression, or low mood, involves feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. On the other hand, mania, or high mood, is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep.
How Common are Mood Disorders?
An estimated 21.4% of U.S. adults will experience a mood disorder at some time in their lives. While mood disorders can develop at any age, they usually begin in a person’s mid-20’s.
Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from a mood disorder than men. However, men and women are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders affect approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older in a given year, with the first manic episode appearing in the early 20s.
What Causes Mood Disorders?
The causes of mood disorders are complex and multifaceted, often involving a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological Factors:
Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, can influence mood regulation. Structural abnormalities in certain areas of the brain have also been associated with mood disorders.
Genetic Factors:
Family history of mood disorders increases the risk of developing similar conditions.
Environmental Factors:
Childhood trauma, significant life events, or chronic stress can contribute to developing mood disorders.
- Lifestyle factors including substance abuse, poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep can exacerbate mood disturbances.
Psychological Factors:
- Negative thought patterns and distorted cognitive processes can contribute to mood disorders.
- Certain personality traits, like being very anxious or easily stressed, can make you more likely to develop mood disorders
Hormonal Changes:
- Hormonal fluctuations, including those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence mood.
Medical Conditions:
- Certain medical conditions, like chronic pain, thyroid disorders, or neurological conditions, may impact mood.
Medications and Substance Use:
- Side effects of certain medications or substance abuse can contribute to mood disturbances.
Types of Mood Disorders
Some examples of Mood Disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder: Characterized by periods of deep sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other physical and emotional symptoms.
- Bipolar disorder: Involves alternating cycles of depression and mania or hypomania, marked by changes in mood and activity levels.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression that typically occurs in the fall and winter months due to reduced sunlight exposure.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Hormone-related mood changes that occur during the week or two before menstruation and result in significant emotional dysregulation and/or physical discomfort that interfere with daily functioning.
- Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic, low-grade form of depression characterized by low mood, low energy, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: A mood disorder in children marked by severe, recurrent temper outbursts and persistent irritability.
- Depression related to a medical condition: Depressed mood that is directly linked to the physical effects of another medical condition.
- Substance or medication induced depression: Depression triggered by the use, withdrawal, or reaction to certain substances or medications.
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Mood Disorder Symptoms
Mood disorder symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition but generally encompass changes in emotional well-being.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms:
- Prolonged periods of intense sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
If you or anyone you know experiences these symptoms, find a depression screening and evaluation clinic or a provider near you. Depression treatment options include talk therapy and counseling and psychiatric medication or antidepressants.
- Bipolar disorder symptoms:
- Alternating episodes of depression and mania
- Depressive symptoms similar to MDD during depressive episodes
- Manic episodes characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep
If you or anyone you know experience these symptoms, find bipolar disorder testing and evaluation near you. Bipolar disorder treatment is a regimen of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The purpose of treatment is to enhance general functioning, manage symptoms, stabilize mood, and prevent relapses.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD symptoms):
- Depression linked to specific seasons, typically fall or winter
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Lack of energy and motivation
Seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed by a mental health care provider and treatment options include therapy, light therapy, lifestyle changes and psychiatric medication or antidepressants.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD symptoms):
- Mood changes and irritability before menstruation
- Physical symptoms like bloating and fatigue
With help from a professional, PMDD is treatable through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia symptoms):
- Long-term, chronic depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.
Dysthymia treatment options are similar to treatment of major depressive disorder and include therapy and counseling and antidepressants.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD symptoms):
- Severe and persistent irritability in children
- Frequent temper outbursts inconsistent with developmental age
- Depression related to medical illness symptoms:
- Depressed mood directly linked to physical health conditions
- Depression induced by substance use or medication symptoms:
- Depression symptoms arising during or after substance use, withdrawal, or exposure to certain medications.
Chemical dependency assessments provide a holistic understanding of an individual’s substance abuse patterns, addiction severity, and the impact on various aspects of their life. Substance abuse treatment involves various interventions and therapies designed to help individuals overcome addiction and regain control over their lives.
Mood Disorders in Children
Symptoms in children and adolescents often manifest differently than in adults, posing challenges in recognition.
Children may show signs of sadness, increased sensitivity or irritability, or behavioral outbursts. They may demonstrate declining academic performance, reduced interest in friendships or social activities, or physical complaints without a clear medical cause. Some children may isolate themselves more, show stronger emotional reactions, or display oppositional behavior.
Identifying these signs can be complex, as emotional expression evolves with age and development, and symptoms often vary widely between individuals.
References:
Any Mood Disorder (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-mood-disorder
Bipolar Disorder (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Koretz D, Merikangas KR, Rush AJ, Walters EE, Wang PS; National Comorbidity Survey Replication. The epidemiology of major depressive disorder: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). JAMA. 2003 Jun 18;289(23):3095-105. doi: 10.1001/jama.289.23.3095. PMID: 12813115.
Mood Disorder FAQ
No, anxiety is not classified as a mood disorder. It belongs to a separate category known as anxiety disorders, which includes panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. However, anxiety and mood disorders frequently occur together. For example, it’s common for individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder to also experience significant anxiety symptoms. According to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), nearly 60% of people with depression also meet criteria for at least one anxiety disorder during their lifetime (Kessler et al., 2003). This overlap can complicate diagnosis and treatment, making it important to assess for both conditions.
Yes, occasional mood changes are a normal part of life. Changes may indicate a mood disorder when they last for several weeks or longer or begin to disrupt daily functioning, behavior, or relationships.
Yes, mood disorders can often be treated successfully with antidepressants or mood stabilizing medicines taken in combination with psychotherapy.
Mood swings are normal, short-term fluctuations in emotions influenced by various factors. They’re part of the human experience. In contrast, mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, involve persistent and impactful disruptions in mood, requiring professional mental health help aimed at lessening the mood swings.
