Mood Disorders

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are common conditions that affect your thoughts, emotional state, energy levels, motivation, and daily functioning. They can cause:

• Sadness
• Emptiness
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Unusually high energy
• Mood changes that feel impossible to control

Everyone has emotional ups and downs, but mood disorders last longer and interfere more with daily life. They can affect your ability to work or perform well at school, strain relationships, disturb your sleep, and disrupt your appetite, concentration, and self-care.

What types of mood disorders are common?

Common mood disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Some people mainly experience low mood and loss of interest, while others move between depressive episodes and periods of elevated or irritable mood.

Mood disorders can also occur with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, or substance addiction. A psychiatric evaluation helps identify the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

What symptoms can mood disorders cause?

Mood disorders can cause:

• Sadness
• Tearfulness
• Guilt
• Hopelessness
• Low energy
• Sleep changes
• Appetite changes
• Poor concentration
• Loss of interest in activities
• Racing thoughts
• Impulsive behavior
• Agitation
• High energy
• Reduced need for sleep
• Extreme irritability

Some people withdraw from others or struggle to keep up with responsibilities.

Those with severe forms of depression sometimes consider suicide. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

How are mood disorders treated?

Collegial Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Inc. creates individualized treatment plans based on each client’s symptoms, health history, goals, and needs. Treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, coping strategies, and lifestyle support.

Medication can help:

• Improve mood
• Stabilize mood swings
• Reduce irritability
• Support better sleep and focus

Depending on the diagnosis, your provider may discuss antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, or other options.

Psychotherapy can help you understand triggers, build coping skills, manage stress, and improve relationships.

Seek professional help if mood symptoms affect your daily life, relationships, work, sleep, or ability to enjoy things. 

You don’t have to wait until symptoms feel severe; just call Collegial Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Inc. or schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.