Mood Disorders Treatment

What are the different types of mood disorders?

Mood disorders comprise two broad categories: depressive and bipolar disorders. Those with depressive disorders experience persistent low moods, while bipolar disorder involves fluctuations between depression and mania.

This condition causes depression that persists most of the time, negatively affecting every part of your life.

Postpartum depression, now called MDD with peripartum onset, begins in late pregnancy or after your baby is born, causing intense depression that affects your ability to care for your baby.

This disorder causes less severe depressive symptoms but lasts at least two years.

Bipolar I involves severe mood swings requiring hospitalization; Bipolar II involves major depression and hypomania episodes.

Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder causing frequent mood swings for at least two years. However, your symptoms are less severe than major depression or hypomania.

What symptoms do mood disorders cause?

Depressive symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness
• Social isolation
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
• Irregular eating patterns and weight changes
• Difficulty concentrating or deciding
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Suicidal ideation

Manic episode symptoms include:

• Hyperactivity and high energy
• Minimal sleep requirement
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Risky behavior engagement
• Possible delusions or hallucinations

How are mood disorders treated?

Treatment typically involves medication management with antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Bipolar disorders often require lifelong medication, while depressive disorders may need treatment for six months to two years. Therapy complements medication, helping patients identify triggers, challenge negative thinking patterns, and develop coping strategies.