A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. Mood disorders can cause emotional highs and lows that are either more severe or longer lasting than normal. There are several major types of mood disorders:
Major depressive disorder involves prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite and sleep habits. To be diagnosed with major depression, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks. Treatment typically involves antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy.
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, causes dramatic mood swings from overly high and energized states (mania) to very low, depressed states. Mood swings last days to months at a time and are separated by periods of normal moods. Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least 7 days or have such severe symptoms that prompt emergency hospitalization. Treatment options include mood stabilizing medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy in severe cases.
Dysthymia is a less severe but chronic form of depression characterized by moods that remain consistently low for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). People with dysthymia may struggle with hopelessness, lack of interest, low appetite and energy, and poor concentration. Combined treatment using antidepressants and psychotherapy is usually most effective.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by depressive episodes recurring only during particular seasons, typically fall and winter. Common symptoms include fatigue despite excessive sleepiness, weight gain, low mood, lack of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and social withdrawal. Light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and medications can help manage SAD symptoms.
If you are struggling with feelings of persistent sadness or major changes in your mood, schedule an appointment with HormoVital. Our compassionate team of psychiatrists can provide a psychiatric assessment to evaluate if you have a mood disorder based on your symptoms, medical history, sleep patterns, diet, family history, and personality profile. We offer customized treatment plans that may include counseling/psychotherapy, light therapy, natural hormone therapy, prescription medications, vitamin supplementation, and holistic healing approaches to improve your emotional health and overall wellbeing. Contact us today or visit ]() to learn more about our integrative mood disorder treatment options. We accept most major insurance plans.