Mood disorder - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. The two main types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.

Depression involves feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or irritable, along with other symptoms like loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. There are several types of depressive disorders, including:

• Major depressive disorder: Severe and persistent depression with multiple symptoms. Also called clinical depression or major affective disorder.
• Persistent depressive disorder: A low-level but chronic state of depression lasting 2 years
• Postpartum depression: Depression after giving birth
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression symptoms triggered by seasonal changes, typically winter

On the other hand, bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in mood and energy levels. People with bipolar go through extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The main types of bipolar disorder are:

• Bipolar I: Periods of mania alternating with periods of depression
• Bipolar II: Mild mania (hypomania) alternating with periods of depression

While the causes of mood disorders are complex, risk factors include genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, hormone changes, and stressful life events. Treatments can include therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and more.

If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of depression or mania, know that you are not alone. Reach out for professional support from your doctor or a qualified mental health expert. The caring professionals at Hormone Harmony Clinic also provide compassionate care and holistic hormone balancing services that can help stabilize mood. Call today at 555-0123 for a free consultation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of mood disorders include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness
• Irritability, anger, anxiety, emotional instability
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Fatigue, low energy
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Physical symptoms like headaches or digestion issues
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological factors that may contribute to mood disorders:

• Genetics / family history
• Brain chemistry imbalances - Neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine
• Hormone changes - Thyroid, sex hormones like estrogen/progesterone

Environmental factors / stressors:

• Trauma or abuse
• Grief / loss
• Major life changes
• Social isolation

People with a family history of mood disorders and women going through hormonal changes like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are at increased risk.

Treatment

Effective treatments for mood disorders may include:

• Medications - Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics
• Psychotherapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy
• Brain stimulation therapies - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
• Light therapy
• Lifestyle changes - Exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition
• Support groups - Depression, bipolar disorder

With professional treatment tailored to the individual, many people with mood disorders can manage symptoms and regain healthy emotional functioning. Don't hesitate to get help if you think you may have a mood disorder. Relief is possible!