What Is a Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health problem that is characterized by a persistent disturbance in one’s emotional state or mood. It's a condition where you may frequently feel extremely happy, extremely sad, or both. A few mood disorders also include other enduring feelings like anger and irritation.
The causes of mood disorders are diverse, but many can be treated with therapy and medication management – for instance, therapy for depression online is a way to address this disorder in a convenient and accessible way. Mood disorder treatment can also differ depending on the specifics of the disorder. As an example, therapy for bipolar disorder may be different from therapy for depression.
There are many types of mood disorders, but taking the first steps toward treatment begins when you can schedule therapy appointments online. If you are looking for mental health providers in Maryland, look no further than our compassionate team at Triumph Behavioral Health. We will help you understand the benefits of therapy for mental illness and work with you to provide medication management services.
Types of Mood Disorders
Here are some of the most common types of mood disorders that we see here at Triumph Behavioral Health, a Maryland wellness center:
Major Depressive Disorder
Dysthymia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Depression
Depression (either significant or clinical depression) is a prevalent mental health disorder – but with therapy for depression online growing more common, it is easier than ever to get help. Feeling down or hopeless is one of the signs of depression. Additionally, the illness may make it difficult to think, remember, eat, and sleep. Clinical depression requires symptoms to last for at least two weeks in order to be diagnosed.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a chronic condition in which low mood lasts at least for two years or more. While it is considered to be milder than depression, dysthymia shares many of the same symptoms such as low energy, lack of interest, intermittent irritability – and one may have bouts of depression intermittently. If you need help, some of the best therapists in Maryland are available for in person and online therapy appointments to support you through these challenges. Medication management can also help you find a solution to behavioral health struggles.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depressive disorder characterized by changes in one’s mood as the seasons change. This occurs primarily in fall or winter but can occur with any season. Symptoms of depression are generally noted including low mood, hypersomnia, overeating, and social isolation. Talk therapy and medication management tools can help address the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by mood swings. Moods may shift from extremely sad to extremely happy or irritable (mania). There are varying degrees of emotional shifts – some are subtle, while others are more pronounced. Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include: depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, changes in energy levels, and impulsivity. Bipolar therapy treatment coupled with effective medication management can help address the symptoms of this mood disorder.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can affect women both physically and psychologically. Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, emotional ability, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms will generally start one to two weeks prior to your period and subside two to three days after your period starts. Getting help with PMDD is a crucial component of women’s mental health services.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a condition affecting children between the ages of six and eighteen. Symptoms of this condition are irritability, extreme reactions to situations, frequent temper tantrums, and emotional and/or physical outbursts. Children may have trouble functioning at home and/or in school. Behavioral therapy for children and medication management services can be important tools in addressing disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
How Do I Know If I Have a Mood Disorder?
To find out if you have a mood disorder, you will need to schedule an appointment with a therapist in Baltimore. A healthcare professional – such as a nurse practitioner therapist – may conduct a medical examination if you or your child exhibit signs of a mood disorder to rule out physiological causes for symptoms, such as thyroid disease, other illnesses, or a vitamin shortage.
Your Maryland therapist will inquire about your medical history, any drugs you are currently taking, and whether you or any members of your family have ever received a diagnosis of a mood disorder. They might suggest a mental health specialist, like one of our team at Triumph Behavioral Health to you.
A mood disorder is typically identified when sorrow, joy, rage, or another emotion…
Is too focused and persistent
Is accompanied by additional signs of a mood disorder, such as changes in activity or sleep patterns
Significantly reduces the person's ability to do their duties
Mood Disorder FAQs
Are mood disorders preventable?
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent mood disorders. However, psychotherapy and medication management may help with many of the associated problems. These tools can help lessen the disruption a mood disorder can have in your life. It is important to pursue assistance as soon as symptoms start to occur – for instance, try scheduling a therapy appointment online. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we can even help you get a therapy appointment this week.
What are the chances of getting a mood disorder?
The chances of getting a mood disorder are impacted by a few different factors. The following factors affect the prognosis (outlook) for mood disorders:
The kind of condition and how serious it is
How quickly it is discovered
Access to appropriate mental health care
It may be necessary to have long-term or lifelong treatment for depression and bipolar disorder because these conditions can relapse (come back after initial treatment) or remain continuous.
A lifetime anxiety problem affects one-third of people with a mood disorder and one-third of those with psychotic disorders. Working with a Howard County therapist can help you address these problems and find sustainable solutions.
Do mood disorder increase the risk of suicide?
Severe cases of mood disorders increase a person's risk of engaging in suicidal behavior in both children and adults. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, get help now. Call the SUICIDE CRISIS LINE: Dial 988. At any time of the day, someone will be available to speak with you.
Is bipolar disorder preventable?
Bipolar disorder is not preventable. While there are numerous causes of mood disorders, preventing them is not possible – instead, it is better to focus on therapy for bipolar disorder and medication management tools that can help you address the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Triumph Behavioral Health is committed to assisting people in overcoming the obstacles presented by mood disorders and achieving emotional wellness. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options.