Mood disorders differ from physical ailments in that they affect a person’s emotional state. These disorders lead to intense sadness, anger, or elation that persists for an extended period. Every person may become angry, depressed, or overly excited. When they remain this way for a long time, a mood disorder may be to blame. Fortunately, doctors can treat mood disorders, typically doing so with the help of psychotherapy and medication.
Common mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder. Both conditions come with many subtypes as well. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder also fall under the category of mood disorders. To overcome this mood disorder and get their life back on track, a person might need to spend time at a residential mental health center in OC.
Depressive Disorders
Many people feel depressed at times. However, when symptoms persist for more than two weeks, they need to see a doctor to learn if they have major or clinical depression. Symptoms might include feelings of hopelessness or sadness, memory issues, or the desire to sleep continuously.
Depression comes in many forms. New mothers might experience postpartum depression, and some people struggle with seasonal affective disorder, which is more common during late fall and winter. Depression with psychosis and persistent depressive disorder are two other common types of depression today.
Bipolar Disorder
Some individuals struggle with bipolar disorder, a condition that will affect them for life. They have severe mood swings and their behavior can change rapidly. Energy levels fluctuate with this condition.
Bipolar disorder comes in four basic types, and the type is determined by the severity of the mood swings. For instance, men and women with cyclothymia disorder suffer from mild depression and hypomania for a minimum of two years, while individuals with bipolar I disorder are known for their manic episodes.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a condition that strikes one week to ten days before the woman has her period. Hormonal changes lead to this severe form of PMS. Women suffering from PMDD are often irritable and depressed. They may also find they are unable to sleep.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder or DMDD, is a condition affecting children and teens. The child experiences frequent episodes of anger and irritability that are extreme. Anger is the most defining symptom of this disorder.
Anxiety
Many people are surprised to learn anxiety is not considered a mood disorder. It falls under the category of anxiety disorders, much like phobias do. However, anxiety may be seen in a person suffering from a mood disorder.
Who is at Risk of a Mood Disorder?
Regardless of age, any person may be diagnosed with a mood disorder. However, women are more likely to be diagnosed with major depression than males. Adults are frequently diagnosed with mood disorders. Depression affects roughly seven percent of the adult population in America.
Approximately 2.8 percent of adults have been diagnosed with a form of bipolar disorder. Children aren’t immune to these conditions. Experts believe 15 percent of all children in America today suffer from some mood disorder.
Mood disorders can be treated. As soon as a person suspects they have a mood disorder, treatment should be sought. If family members believe a loved one has a mood disorder, they need to encourage this person to see a doctor. With the right treatment plan, a person can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, so this is one phone call that should be made right away.
