Services
Mood Disorders
MyWellbrook Health Psychiatry provides mental health care to patients suffering from Mood Disorders. Book an appointment via telehealth.
What are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorders characterized by significant disturbances in a person's emotional state, such as long periods of feeling sad or depressed, or excessive and prolonged mood elevation or irritability. These disorders can significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality of life.
Mood disorders include various types of disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Persistent Depressive Disorder (also known as dysthymia). Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Bipolar Disorder involves experiencing episodes of mania or hypomania, where a person has elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, and episodes of depression. Persistent Depressive Disorder involves chronic low-grade depression that lasts for at least two years.
Mood disorders can be caused by various factors, including genetics, environmental stressors, changes in brain chemistry, and other medical conditions. Treatment for mood disorders often includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies, and can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
How are Mood Disorders Diagnosed?
Mood disorders are typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of the individual's symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, and any family history of mood disorders or related conditions.
To diagnose a mood disorder, the mental health professional will typically look for the presence of one or more mood episodes, which are characterized by a significant change in a person's emotional state. The most common types of mood episodes are depression and mania/hypomania.
The mental health professional will assess the severity and frequency of the individual's symptoms, as well as their duration and impact on the individual's daily life. They may also use standardized tools such as questionnaires to aid in the diagnosis.
The diagnostic process may also involve a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out other possible causes of the individual's symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or substance abuse. It is important to note that mood disorders can co-occur with other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, and therefore the diagnostic process may involve a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's overall mental health.
Overall, the diagnostic process for mood disorders involves a thorough evaluation to ensure that the individual receives an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How are Mood Disorders Treated?
Mood disorders are typically treated with a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies. The specific treatment plan for an individual with a mood disorder will depend on the type and severity of their disorder, as well as their personal preferences and circumstances.
Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can be effective in managing the symptoms of mood disorders. These medications work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, that regulate mood and emotion.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can also be effective in treating mood disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their symptoms, while IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication skills to reduce stress and improve mood.
Self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, stress management, and social support, can also be helpful in managing mood disorders. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular sleep patterns and a balanced diet can be beneficial.
For some individuals with severe and treatment-resistant mood disorders, other interventions such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered.
It is important for individuals with mood disorders to work closely with a mental health professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. With proper treatment and self-help strategies, many individuals with mood disorders are able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.