Mood Disorders: Types, Symptoms and Treatments
If your emotions have started to impact how you think or cope day to day, you may have a mood disorder. Drift Behavioral Health offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel more balanced and in control.
What Is a Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that shapes your emotions in a way that can make everyday life harder. These disorders involve periods of intense sadness, excessive energy, or both, and can interfere with your daily life. Mood disorders include both depressive and bipolar conditions, and while they can be challenging, they’re also treatable. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mood disorders affect about 21.4% of US adults at some point in their lives.
Mood Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
These disorders can develop for many reasons, and often, several factors play a role. Some causes are biological, while others are related to life experiences.
Common risk factors include:
- A family history of mood disorders
- Brain chemistry or hormonal imbalances
- Major life events, trauma, or chronic stress
- Substance use (substance-induced conditions)
Types of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders come in different forms. These include depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and other conditions like DMDD and PMDD. Each type affects mood differently, from lasting sadness to extreme mood swings. Knowing the type helps guide the right treatment.
Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders involve prolonged periods of low mood, lack of energy, and changes in thinking and behavior. These conditions can range in severity and often interfere with relationships, work, and daily life. There are several types of depressive disorders, each with slightly different patterns and symptoms.
This condition involves intense sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities, lasting at least two weeks.
A form of depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting mood, energy levels, and the ability to bond with the baby.
Triggered by seasonal changes, usually during fall and winter, SAD causes low mood, low energy, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Also called dysthymia, this long-term condition involves ongoing symptoms of depression that last for two years or more.
While symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition, some signs are common across most types of depressive disorders.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorders involve shifts between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These changes can be dramatic or subtle, depending on the type. People with bipolar disorders may feel great energy and confidence one week and deep depression the next.
Marked by full manic episodes that last at least one week and often require hospitalization, followed by depressive episodes.
Includes cycles of depression and hypomania, which is a milder form of mania that doesn’t usually require hospitalization.
A milder form of bipolar disorder involving frequent mood swings between mild depression and hypomania over two years or more.
Symptoms can vary depending on whether someone is experiencing a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode. Here’s what they might look like.
Manic or hypomanic symptoms may include:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy or activity
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity or risky behavior
Depressive symptoms may include:
- Sadness or emptiness
- Low energy or fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest in daily life
Other Mood Disorders
There are conditions that don’t fit into either the depressive or bipolar categories. Some are unique to specific life stages or hormonal changes, but they still significantly impact daily functioning.
A condition diagnosed in children or adolescents who experience severe temper outbursts and ongoing irritability.
DMDD Symptoms
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Ongoing anger or irritability
- Outbursts at home, school, or with peers
- Difficulty calming down after outbursts
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome that impacts emotional and physical health in the weeks before menstruation.
PMDD Symptoms
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression or hopelessness
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
Treating and Managing Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are treatable, and many people feel better with the right care. Treatment plans are based on the type and severity of the condition and may include a mix of therapy, medication, and lifestyle support to help you feel more stable.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis starts with a mental health evaluation. A licensed provider will review your symptoms, history, and overall mental health. They may also use tools like questionnaires or rating scales to match your symptoms to clinical criteria.
Counseling and Therapies
Therapy for mood disorders can help you learn coping skills, understand your emotions, and build better habits. At Drift, we offer multiple levels of care and use effective approaches such as:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Emotion-Focused or Narrative Therapy (depending on your needs)
Medications for Mood Disorders
Medication can help regulate mood and ease symptoms. Common options include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. At Drift, your provider will work closely with you to find the right medication and support you with ongoing medication management.
Holistic Mood Disorder Treatment
Along with therapy and medication, holistic options can improve your well-being. These may include grounding techniques, meditation, yoga, coping strategies, and creative therapies like art or music.
Get Expert Mood Disorder Treatment at Drift Behavioral Health
At Drift Behavioral Health, we offer personalized care based on your needs, goals, and diagnosis. Whether you’re dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mood condition, we’re here to help. Our levels of care include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Structured, full-day care 5–6 days a week
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible care 3–5 days a week with therapy and support
- Virtual Mental Health Treatment: Online therapy and medication management from home
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team today, and let’s build a plan that helps you feel more grounded, supported, and in control.
FAQs
How can I support someone with a mood disorder?
Be patient, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional support.
Is bipolar disorder genetic?
Yes, it can run in families, but not everyone with a family history will develop it.
What is dysthymia?
Dysthymia is another name for Persistent Depressive Disorder, a long-lasting form of depression.
Can mood disorders be prevented?
You can’t always prevent them, but early support, stress management, and healthy habits can help reduce risk.
Is bipolar disorder a disability?
It can be, depending on the severity and how much it impacts daily functioning.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder vs. oppositional defiant disorder: What’s the difference?
DMDD involves mood instability and anger, while ODD is more about defiant and oppositional behavior. A mental health professional can help make the correct diagnosis.
