A mood disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. It is often associated with feelings of depression, mania, and anxiety. Mood disorders are often treatable conditions.

At Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, we have a team of mental health professionals dedicated to assessing, diagnosing, and treating mood disorders. We offer medication management, therapy, support groups, and more for your mental health care.

Different Types Of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders can be classified into the following categories:

• Bipolar disorder and its subtypes

• Depression and its subtypes

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lasting mental illness that causes an imbalance between energy, activity levels, and the ability to think, feel emotions, and decision making. The patient is likely to experience manic episodes during which they feel highly energized and active or depressed episodes in which they feel tired or numb. In some people, these episodes alternate with each other over time.

There are three types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder: Individuals with bipolar I disorder have at least one manic episode, which is a distinct period of abnormally elevated mood.

• Bipolar II disorder: This condition is characterized by a major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode.

• Cyclothymia: This condition is characterized by periods of hypomania and depression that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a manic or major depressive episode.

Depression

Depression is the most common and also the most severe mood disorder. It is a type of mood disorder that causes the individual’s thinking to become negative, sadness, and loss of interest in activities. People with depression have a lower mood, which often leads to reduced energy and increased isolation.

There are various types of depression, as discussed below:

• Postpartum depression: This condition is triggered by childbirth and is characterized by highly negative thoughts, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

• Persistent depressive disorder: This condition is characterized by recurrent major depression over two years.

• Seasonal affective disorder: This condition is triggered by changes in seasons, such as winter, and is characterized by depression related to the lack of sunlight.

Other types of mood disorders

Other types of mood disorders affect a person’s emotional and mental health.

These include:

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: This condition is characterized by significant irritability and anger that lead to frequent temper tantrums. This type of disorder primarily affects children and adolescents.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: This condition affects only women and is characterized by severe depression in the first half of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms are relieved during the second half of the process.

A team of mental and health specialists can effectively manage mood disorders. At Hanei Health Solutions, our team is well-versed in providing expert care and effective treatment for mood disorders. We offer medications, therapy, and support group to help you overcome your condition. If you need help, please visit Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, or call us at 443-978-1330 for more details.

How Common Are Mood Disorders?

In the United States, it is estimated that around 9.7% of adults experience mood disorders. Mood disorders should not be taken lightly as they are very debilitating. Many people with mood disorders have difficulty finding treatment, as depression and bipolar disorder require you to take your medications on time for them to be effective.

Mood disorders are often undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated. It leads to the individual experiencing a higher percentage of adverse effects related to the condition, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, substance abuse, and job loss.

Symptoms Of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders affect the way you think, feel, and behave. In contrast to other medical conditions, mood disorders can influence your overall well-being, vitality, and appetite.

Mood disorders are characterized by a range of symptoms, such as:

Depressive symptoms

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling sluggish

• Feeling sad every time

• Feeling hopeless or worthless

• Suicidal thoughts

• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

• Abnormal sleeping patterns

Symptoms of hypomanic or manic episodes

• Hasty speech movement

• Restlessness or irritability

• Extremely energized

• Reckless

• Having trouble sleeping

If you or your loved one are expressing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call or visit Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, where we will conduct a thorough assessment and determine the best treatment options for you. Please contact call us at 443-978-1330 for an early consultation.

Causes For Mood Disorders

Researchers and medical experts believe genetic and environmental factors may contribute to mood disorders. The following are some of the possible causes:

• Genetic factors: Most individuals with mood disorders have at least one close relative who has had the condition. It could be due to a common gene that may predispose you to develop the disease.

• Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as stress, financial strain, unemployment, and relationship problems could contribute to mood disorders.

• Biological factors: The brain chemical (neurotransmitters) responsible for sending messages between different brain regions are thought to be involved in developing mood disorders.

Individuals with mood disorders have difficulty finding treatment, as depression and bipolar disorder require you to take your medications on time for them to be effective.

Diagnosis For Mood Disorders

People experiencing mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder should seek professional help from a licensed medical or mental health professional. Diagnosing the condition could be tricky, as there are various mood disorders. In some cases, more than one type of mood disorder could coexist in an individual.

Treatment For Mood Disorders

Treatment for mood disorders depends on the type of mood disorder and its severity. The following are some of the treatment options:

Medication

Medications could help regulate chemical imbalances that trigger mood disorders. Multiple medications are available to treat mood disorders, each with its own benefits and limitations.

• Mood stabilizers: These medications help regulate the chemical imbalances that cause mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are also used to treat bipolar depression. These medications prevent people from behaving agitated, aggressively, and delusional.

• Antidepressants: These medications help reduce the symptoms of mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders by affecting the chemical imbalances in your brain that are responsible for triggering depression. The benefit of antidepressants is that they cause fewer side effects than antidepressant medications used in treating anxiety disorders such as panic attacks.

• Antipsychotics: These medications should be used with mood stabilizers when treating acute bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics help reduce the symptoms of mania, such as paranoia, delusions, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help individuals gain control over their moods by addressing their underlying circumstances. It can help people identify and deal with the root causes of their mood disorders.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of psychotherapy helps individuals identify and understand the causes of their thoughts related to their moods. For example, it can help individuals determine how fear or phobia triggers panic attacks and depression.

• Dialectical behavior therapy: The therapist will help individuals develop a rational attitude towards their moods and symptoms in this type of therapy.

• Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy helps individuals understand their unconscious feelings and behaviors that trigger mood disorders.

These treatments can help you manage your disorder, learn to cope with the symptoms, and regain control over your life. Working with a therapist, you can overcome your mood disorders and regain control of your life.

Hanei Health Solutions is a center of excellence in treating mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact or call us at 443-978-1330 for an appointment.