Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that affect a person's emotional state. The two main types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression involves feeling sad, hopeless, and disinterested in life for weeks or months at a time. Symptoms include:
- Low mood - Feeling sad, empty, or tearful
- Lack of interest - Losing interest in hobbies and activities
- Fatigue - Feeling tired all the time
- Changes in appetite - Eating more or less than usual
- Sleep issues - Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Feelings of worthlessness - Feeling inadequate or guilty over minor issues
- Trouble concentrating - Hard time focusing or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts - Thinking about death or suicide
Depression can range from mild to severe. It may require medication, therapy, or both. Untreated depression can damage relationships, work performance, and overall health.
Bipolar disorder involves cycles of high energy moods and depresssive moods. The "highs" are called
manic episodes. Symptoms include:
- Euphoria - Feeling extremely happy and full of energy
- Racing thoughts - Thoughts that jump quickly from topic to topic
- Risky behavior - Gambling, reckless driving, impulsive decisions
- Decreased need for sleep - Feeling rested after just a few hours of sleep
- Grandiose delusions - Believing one has special powers or wealth
- Increased activity - Taking on multiple tasks and projects
The "lows" of bipolar disorder are
depressive episodes with the same symptoms as major depression. Bipolar disorder requires medication to control mood swings. Therapy helps patients cope with shifts in mood.
What causes mood disorders? Research shows genetics and brain chemistry play a role.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are often seen. Traumatic life events and high stress levels may also contribute.
If you think you may have a mood disorder, see your doctor or mental health professional. Don't try to self-diagnose based on internet searches. There are questionnaires and rating scales professionals can use to properly assess if you meet the criteria for a depressive or bipolar disorder. With the right treatment plan, many people with mood disorders can feel better and enjoy life again!
At
Vital Hormone Clinic, we understand how challenging mood disorders can be. Hormone imbalances often exacerbate issues like depression and anxiety. Our compassionate providers offer
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