Mood Disorder Treatment

Mood disorders can show up in different ways, and they’re often tied to changes in brain chemistry. Below are some symptoms of mood disorders (that may also overlap with related disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder or psychotic disorders):

• Depressed mood or severe depression that affects daily life and lasts more than a couple of weeks
• Frequent anger outbursts that impact personal or work relationships
• Shifts in eating habits, either eating too much or too little
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
• Emotional ups and downs that could signal unspecified bipolar disorder
• Physical exam findings that point to thyroid hormone imbalances
• Need for more advanced interventions, such as vagus nerve stimulation, if other treatments fail to improve symptoms

If you notice these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, reach out for help from a qualified mental health professional. When these symptoms are ignored, there is often an increased risk for anxiety or other mental health conditions as well.

Many people live with mood disorders that can affect their daily routines and relationships. Below are common mood disorders that often benefit from specialized mood disorder treatment:

Major Depressive Disorder

This is the most widely recognized form of clinical depression, marked by persistent sadness, depressive episodes, or a loss of interest in usual activities. Many people feel overwhelmed or hopeless for weeks or months at a time. It can also show up physically, like trouble sleeping or lack of energy. In some cases, people might also suffer from treatment-resistant depression, which means they do not respond to traditional antidepressant medications. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD typically appears in the colder, darker months when the days are shorter, and the sun isn’t out as much. People may notice fatigue, changes in appetite, a lack of interest in hobbies, and just generally feeling down more often than usual. Some find their energy levels return in the spring or summer, only to drop again the following year. Making lifestyle changes like using light therapy and spending time outdoors can be helpful.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

This is often diagnosed in children who show extreme irritability and struggle with controlling their emotions. They can have intense outbursts that seem out of proportion, and these episodes happen more often than you might expect for their age. This pattern can make school, family life, and friendships more challenging, so getting the right support and treatment is essential.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is known to cause significant and emotional highs and lows, typically referred to as mania and depressive symptoms. During a high, you might feel energetic and full of ideas. During a low, you might experience deep depression and suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar I involves intense mania that can sometimes require hospitalization, as well as downward swings into depression. Bipolar II disorder features milder highs called hypomania alongside periods of more pronounced depression.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder type of bipolar condition. People with this disorder may experience shorter, less intense episodes of hypomania and depression that still impact their day-to-day life. Even though these depressive episodes and hypomanic or manic episodes aren’t as severe as those seen in full-fledged bipolar disorder, they can still disrupt a person’s overall well-being. 

Dysthymia

People with dysthymia (otherwise known as persistent depressive disorder) experience a long-lasting low mood that may not feel as severe as major depression but still impacts everyday life. It often shows up with low energy and low self-esteem that linger over time. Despite being milder, dysthymia can become a heavy burden when it stretches on for an extended time period.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

This disorder goes beyond typical PMS and can cause severe mood swings, anger, or extreme sadness in the weeks before a woman’s period. Sometimes, it can significantly disrupt relationships or daily tasks.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a condition that can affect mothers shortly after giving birth. They might feel hopeless and have a difficult time bonding with the baby. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and stress can all contribute to this condition. Getting support from loved ones and talking to a professional can help with recovery.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

Drug or alcohol use and withdrawal can trigger intense changes in mood, including depression or mania. It can also worsen an existing issue, turning typical ups and downs into something more severe.

These disorders can affect every aspect of your life, sometimes even leading to other issues, like a lifetime anxiety disorder.

Mood disorders can come in many forms, and each person’s journey with them is unique. If you’re dealing with one, it’s important to explore different ways to treat depression and other mood disorders.

Medications

For some people, medication plays an essential role in relieving symptoms. Below are a few types that doctors may prescribe.

Antidepressants

These medications are commonly used for depression. They help improve mood by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, like serotonin or norepinephrine. There is often a gradual lift in mood, energy, or overall outlook after several weeks or months of consistent use. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft. 

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are particularly helpful for managing bipolar disorder, which involves dramatic shifts between emotional highs and lows. They aim to level out these drastic changes, helping people avoid extreme mania or deep depression.

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotics (typical and atypical antipsychotics) can be used in severe cases of bipolar disorder or depression. They help balance certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, to lessen symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. Examples include Abilify, Haldol, and Thorazine.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

These medicines target the intense worry or fear that sometimes accompanies mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. They can be taken for shorter stretches of time to ease acute symptoms or may be used as part of a longer treatment plan. Some anti-anxiety drugs, especially benzodiazepines, carry a risk of dependence, so doctors should monitor you closely if you use them.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy provides a space for patients to explore some of the side effects and underlying causes or contributors of mood disorders. Below are a few common types of psychotherapy and how they can help:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT teaches you to recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts that might worsen sadness, anxiety, or other negative feelings. You’ll focus on how daily habits and beliefs affect your mental health. By shifting these habits, you can respond to stress in healthier ways.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving communication skills and handling specific relationship conflicts or disruptions. You’ll learn to share your emotions more clearly and work toward reducing tension in current or past relationships. 

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy looks into patterns that might be hidden under the surface, often shaped by early life experiences. You’ll discuss memories and feelings to see how they might affect you now. This awareness can reduce the intensity of the emotions you’re facing. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of CBT that was originally developed for people struggling with borderline personality disorder, but it also helps those with severe mood swings or other emotional challenges. It focuses on teaching skills that help patients handle significant distress without turning to harmful behaviors.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can often make a legitimate difference in managing mood disorders. Below are some approaches that many people find helpful:

Exercise

Regular exercise can help boost your mood by releasing endorphins – also called “feel-good” hormones – throughout your body. It might be as simple as going for walks in the morning or trying a new workout class. Physical activity also lowers stress, which can lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try to find activities you enjoy so you’re more likely to keep them up over time.

Healthy Diet

Choosing a balanced diet can improve your energy levels and provide nutrients that support overall brain health. A varied mix of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help stabilize your mood. Certain deficiencies, like low vitamin B12 or iron, can make you feel more tired or down, so it’s worth checking with a healthcare provider if you suspect issues.

Sleep Hygiene

Making sure you have a consistent bedtime can help your body regulate and keep your mood more stable. There are many simple ways to help improve our sleep, like reducing screen time before bed and keeping the bedroom dark. If you’re dealing with insomnia, talk to a therapist or doctor for more suggestions.

Stress Management

Activities like yoga, mindfulness, or practicing deep breathing can reduce stress. Experiment with different techniques to see what feels most natural for you and what works best. Over time, these methods can help you handle life’s challenges better.

If you need mood disorders treated, you’ll likely want to use a combination of all these approaches. A mental health professional can help you determine the best course of action once you determine you need help for mood disorders diagnosed by your doctor. For information about these and other treatments, contact Mental Health Resource.