The National Institute of Mental Health states that about 21.4% of adults in the United States have or have had a mood disorder at some point in their lives. But what is a mood disorder, and how can it impact you? At Promises, we offer mood disorder treatment for those struggling through their daily lives. Reach out to us today by calling 844.875.5609.
What Is a Mood Disorder?
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect your emotional state. They can cause you to experience long periods of extreme sadness, happiness, or both. With some types of mood disorders, you may also experience irritability or anger.
Everyone’s moods change depending on the situation. A mood disorder, though, causes you to have a persistent mood for several weeks or more. It can change your behavior and even impact your ability to complete everyday tasks. The two most common types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression includes feeling constant sadness or hopelessness. It can lead to difficulties eating, sleeping, thinking, and concentrating. There are a few different types of depression, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Depression with psychosis
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition and mood disorder that causes intense shifts in mood, thinking patterns, behavior, and energy levels. With bipolar disorder, you can experience hypomanic or manic episodes as well as depressive episodes. There are a few main types of bipolar disorder, which are:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymia disorder
Two other types of mood disorders are premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD).
PMDD is a mood disorder that occurs seven to ten days before menstruation begins. It’s a more severe type of premenstrual syndrome. DMDD occurs in teenagers and children and involves frequent anger outbursts as well as irritability that is out of proportion to the circumstances.
Symptoms and Causes of Mood Disorders
The type of mood disorder you have will impact the kind of symptoms you experience. That said, some of the most frequent depressive ones include:
- Feeling sluggish or lacking energy
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Feeling sad most of the time or almost every day
- Losing interest in activities you enjoyed
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Having difficulties concentrating
- Experiencing changes in sleeping pattern
- Having suicidal thoughts
Manic or hypomanic episodes can present with:
- Rapid movement or speech
- Feelings of elation or extreme energy
- Irritability, agitation, and restlessness
- Risk-taking behavior
- Insomnia
- Racing thoughts
A variety of factors can contribute to the development of a mood disorder. Biological factors include brain structure issues. People with mood disorders tend to have a larger amygdala, which is one of the areas of the brain responsible for controlling emotions.
There can also be environmental factors. If you experience chronic stress, go through stressful life changes, or have a history of childhood abuse, you are more likely to develop a mood disorder. Some chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, also have links to depression.
Genetic factors can play a role as well. If you have a family history of mood disorders, you are more likely to develop one.
Get Help for Mood Disorders at Promises
Mood disorders can severely impact your life, and most require professional help. At Promises, we offer treatment programs for mood disorders, with residential and outpatient options, to ensure everyone can get the exact level of care they need.
When you turn to our programs, you have a chance to participate in individual and group therapy sessions where you can delve into your condition and find the necessary tools to help you manage it. You don’t have to go through this on your own. Get the help you deserve by calling Promises at 844.875.5609.