Mood Disorders

Overview

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that involve persistent and significant changes in emotional state or mood. These changes can interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life and may include feelings of sadness, irritability, or excessive happiness. Examples of mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, cyclothymic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Mood disorders may also be related to medical illnesses or involve substance abuse. It is important to seek professional help for mood disorders as they typically do not go away on their own and may worsen over time.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of mood disorders may include feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness; angry outbursts, irritability or frustration; loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities; sleep disturbances; tiredness and lack of energy; reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain; anxiety, agitation or restlessness; slowed thinking, speaking or body movements; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things; frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide; unexplained physical problems; and in children, symptoms of persistent depressive disorder may include depressed mood and being irritable. Additionally, symptoms of manic and hypomanic episodes include increased activity, energy or agitation, exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence, decreased need for sleep, unusual talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, poor decision-making, and in a major depressive episode, an individual experiences five or more symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, or recurrent thoughts of death. If these symptoms have been going on for a long time, it is important to seek medical help from a healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing mood disorders, such as depression, include:

1. Family history: Having blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide increases the risk of developing mood disorders.
2. Traumatic or stressful events: Experiencing physical or sexual abuse, loss of a loved one, difficult relationships, or financial problems can trigger mood disorders.
3. Certain personality traits: Low self-esteem, dependency, self-criticism, and pessimism may contribute to the development of mood disorders.
4. Early childhood trauma: Exposure to physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent during childhood may lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of mood disorders.
5. Negative thinking patterns: Learning to feel helpless rather than finding solutions for life's challenges may contribute to teen depression.
6. Other mental health conditions: Co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety disorders, personality disorders, anorexia, bulimia, ADHD, or learning disabilities, can increase the risk of mood disorders.
7. Substance abuse: Abusing alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs can contribute to the development of mood disorders.
8. Family issues: A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or alcohol use problems, family communication and relationship problems, or recent stressful life events can increase the risk of mood disorders.
9. Life circumstances: Ongoing pain, chronic physical illnesses, or challenges with self-esteem (e.g., obesity, academic problems, peer problems) can also play a role in developing mood disorders. It is important to note that while these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders, they do not guarantee that an individual will definitely develop a mood disorder. Every person's experience is unique and may involve a combination of these risk factors.

Development

Mood disorders tend to develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. They involve disturbances in a person's emotional state or mood that can interfere with their ability to function. Some examples of mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), cyclothymic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and persistent depressive disorder. In the case of bipolar disorder, mood swings include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect various aspects of a person's life, such as sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year, and individuals may experience different levels of emotional symptoms between episodes. Personality disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by a pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates from the norm of the individual's culture. These disorders are thought to have roots in both genetic and environmental factors, and they typically develop early in life. Personality traits are shaped through a blend of genetics, temperament passed down from parents, and early life experiences.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if you suspect mood disorders when you:

1. Feel like your emotions are interfering with your work, relationships, social activities, or other parts of your life.
2. Have trouble with drinking or drugs.
3. Experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors - seek emergency treatment immediately.
4. Notice persistent symptoms of depression or mania, such as persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability, or alternating periods of depression and mania.
5. Observe symptoms of mood disorders in children, such as depressed mood and irritability. If these feelings have been going on for a long time, it is essential to seek medical help to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Reach out to your healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or someone you trust for guidance and support in seeking treatment.

Diagnosis

To diagnose mood disorders, the process typically involves a combination of physical examination, psychiatric assessment, and evaluation using diagnostic criteria such as the DSM-5. The doctor or mental health professional will consider the patient's symptoms, medical history, and behavior patterns. They may also perform lab tests or ask family members or close friends for additional information. The diagnostic criteria for mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, are specific and must be met for a diagnosis to be made.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of mood disorders can include feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, hopelessness, anger, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, sleep disturbances, tiredness, reduced appetite, anxiety, agitation, slowed thinking, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, trouble with concentration, thoughts of death or suicide, unexplained physical problems, and substance abuse issues. It's important to seek professional help for mood disorders before they become severe, as early treatment can be more effective in managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Prevention

Mood disorders, such as persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder, cannot be completely prevented. However, early identification of individuals at risk, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, potentially preventing episodes from worsening or recurring. For individuals with bipolar disorder, staying aware of warning signs, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and adhering to prescribed medications can help prevent minor symptoms from escalating into full-blown manic or depressive episodes. In the case of seasonal affective disorder, managing symptoms early on and seeking treatment can help prevent them from getting worse over time. Some people find it helpful to start treatment before symptoms typically begin and continue treatment beyond the time when symptoms usually subside. Remember, it is crucial to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing mood disorder symptoms, as early intervention can lead to more effective treatment and potentially better outcomes.

Home Remedies

Individuals experiencing mood disorders should seek professional help and treatment from mental health experts. However, they do mention the importance of self-care practices, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and using electronics responsibly and in moderation. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to address mood disorders. They can provide appropriate guidance and recommendations for managing and treating mood disorders.

Treatment

For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy). Some common treatments for mood disorders include:

1. Medications: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed to treat mood disorders. These medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall mood.
2. Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy): Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, can help individuals understand and manage their emotions, learn coping skills, and address underlying issues contributing to their mood disorder.
3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): In some cases, ECT may be recommended for severe depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves administering brief electrical shocks to the brain while the patient is under general anesthesia. It's important to remember that treatment plans should be tailored to the individual's specific needs, and a healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate course of action.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for mood disorders, you should make a list of any symptoms you've noticed, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment. Additionally, gather key personal information such as any family history of mental health disorders, major stresses or recent life changes, and any medications, vitamins, herbal preparations, and supplements you're taking, including dosages. Prepare a list of questions for your doctor, such as "What is likely causing the symptoms?" and "What treatments do you recommend?" It may also be helpful to bring a family member or friend along to the appointment for support and to provide additional information about your condition.