You are greatly affected by your emotional state when you suffer from a mood disorder. It’s a condition where you frequently feel very happy, extremely sad, or both. Anger and irritation are also enduring feelings associated with some mood disorders.
Your mood may fluctuate based on the circumstances, which is natural. However, symptoms must be persistent for a few weeks or more in order to diagnose a mood illness. Mood problems can alter your behavior and make it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks like going to work or school.
Bipolar illness and depression are two of the most prevalent mood disorders.
What kind of mood disorders are there?
Common mood disorders are:
- Many forms of depression.
- Many forms of bipolar illness.
- Dysphoric premenstrual disorder.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Who is affected by mood disorders?
Anyone, including toddlers, adolescents, and adults, can have mood problems.
Women and those with AFAB are twice as likely as men and those designated males at birth to have major depression (AMAB).
How widespread are mental disorders?
Adults can develop mood problems, with depression and bipolar disorder being the most prevalent. In the US, bipolar illness affects 2.8% of people while depression affects roughly 7% of individuals.
Mood disorders are often observed in kids and teenagers; about 15% of them suffer from one or more of them.
What signs or symptoms indicate a mood disorder?
Each mood illness has unique signs and/or distinct symptom patterns.
Symptoms of mood disorders frequently interfere with your ability to think, sleep, eat, and feel energetic.
Generally speaking, depressed symptoms include:
- Constant or frequent feelings of sadness.
- Feeling forlorn or unworthy.
- A decline of interest in once-enjoyable activities.
- Thoughts of suicide or death.
- Attention or concentration issues.
- Sleeping excessively or insufficiently.
- Appetite loss or overeating.
Why do mood disorders occur?
According to researchers, a number of circumstances, such as the following, might cause mood disorders to develop:
Biology:
According to brain imaging studies, the amygdala is larger in those with mood disorders.
Genetic influences:
A high family history of mood disorders increases a person’s risk of developing one.
Environmental factors:
Chronic stress, traumatic experiences, stressful life upheavals including the death of a loved one, and childhood maltreatment are all significant risk factors for developing a mood disorder later in life, especially depression.
Chronic diseases including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease have also been related to depression.
How are mental illnesses treated?
The unique disease and symptoms must be considered while treating mood disorders. Typically, therapy and medicine are used in conjunction to treat patients (also called talk therapy).
Treatments for mood disorders
Medical professionals may recommend the following drugs to treat mood disorders:
Antidepressants:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most popular medications used to treat depression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder (SSRIs).
Mood escalator:
These drugs aid in controlling mood fluctuations brought on by bipolar illness or other conditions. They lessen erratic brain activity. In rare circumstances, doctors may recommend relievers in addition to antidepressants. Lithium and anticonvulsants are two of the most often prescribed tricyclic antidepressants.
Neuroleptics (antipsychotics):
An atypical antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication, such aripiprazole, may be used to treat mania or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder patients. If symptoms of depression cannot be managed with an antidepressant alone, healthcare professionals will occasionally prescribe atypical antipsychotics.
Mood problems and psychotherapy
The word “psychotherapy,” sometimes known as “talk therapy,” refers to several therapeutic methods intended to assist a patient in identifying and altering unhelpful feelings, attitudes, and actions.
Some of the most typical kinds of psychotherapy include:
CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy:
Psychotherapy like this is structured and focused on achieving goals. It is used by professionals in mental health to treat or manage emotional and mental health issues.
DBT or dialectical behavior therapy:
Based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy designed specifically for people who experience intense emotions.
Psychodynamic therapy:
This kind of therapy is based on the idea that your behavior and mental health are influenced by things that happened in your childhood and bad, repetitive thoughts or feelings that don’t come to mind (they’re unconscious).
A word from the doctor —
It is essential to keep in mind that mood disorders are conditions of mental health. As is the case with all mental health conditions, getting help as soon as you start to experience symptoms can help minimize the disruptions to your life.
Emotional wellness experts can offer treatment designs that can assist you with dealing with your side effects.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanul Corrielus right away if you have questions about your psychological health!
