Mood disorder - Restore Health Clinic

Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person's emotional state. The main types of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar disorder. Depressive disorders involve prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest that impair daily functioning. Some examples include:

• Major depressive disorder: Characterized by severe, persistent depression lasting at least 2 weeks. Common symptoms are fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
• Persistent depressive disorder: A chronic, low-grade depression lasting at least 2 years.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in winter.

On the other hand, bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). There are several types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I: Includes severe manic episodes with or without depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II: Characterized by hypomania (less severe mania) and depression.
• Cyclothymic disorder: Chronic, fluctuating mood disturbances between hypomania and depression that don't meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or II.

Additional key things to know about mood disorders:

• They affect mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health.
• Exact causes are unknown but likely involve brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, and environmental factors.
• Men and women are affected at similar rates. Symptoms often appear in the late teens to mid 20s.
• Effective treatments include medications, psychotherapy, light therapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, etc. With proper treatment, many people can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
• Untreated, mood disorders carry risks of strained relationships, social isolation, substance abuse, self-harm behaviors, and suicide. So seeking help is critical.

I hope this overview on mood disorders was helpful! For more information, please visit the Restore Health Clinic.