Mood Disorders
Mood Disorders services offered in Boynton Beach, FL
Mood Disorders Q&A
What are the different types of mood disorders?
Mood disorders include several mental health conditions in two broad groups: depressive and bipolar disorders. People with a depressive disorder experience low moods; those with bipolar disorder have mood swings between low-energy depression and high-energy mania.
A few examples include:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
This condition causes depression that persists most of the time, negatively affecting every part of your life.
Postpartum depression
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.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
This disorder causes less severe depressive symptoms but lasts at least two years.
Bipolar I and II disorder
Bipolar I disorder causes swings between major depression and mania. The manic episodes are severe enough to require hospitalization. Bipolar II disorder causes episodes of major depression and hypomania (a milder type of mania).
Cyclothymic disorder
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?
When you’re depressed, you may:
- Feel sad, worthless, and hopeless
- Isolate yourself from friends and family
- Lose interest in the activities you usually enjoy
- Eat too much or too little
- Gain or lose weight
- Struggle to stay focused or make decisions
- Feel restless or anxious
- Think about harming yourself or suicide
During manic episodes, you may:
- Be hyperactive (high energy)
- Need little to no sleep
- Feel highly energized (despite lacking sleep)
- Have racing thoughts
- Talk rapidly
- Engage in risky behaviors (spending sprees, driving while drinking, etc.)
Manic episodes may also cause delusions and/or hallucinations.
How are mood disorders treated?
Medication management with antidepressants or mood stabilizers is usually essential for mood disorders. However, bipolar disorders typically require lifelong medication, while depressive disorders may only need medication for six months to two years.
Many patients may also benefit from therapy along with medications. During therapy, you may learn what triggers your mood disorder, how to identify and change negative thoughts, and acquire skills to improve your daily life.
You can overcome mood disorders with personalized care from the team at MindSpa Psychiatry. To schedule an appointment, call or request one using the online booking feature today.
