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Mood Disorders

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Mood disorders affect millions of people worldwide, impacting their emotions, daily lives, and overall well-being. Here in Pennsylvania, 32.8% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in February 2023. Mental health conditions have exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this includes mood disorders that cause persistent sadness, extreme mood swings, or irritability.

While mood disorders can be challenging to live with, they can be successfully managed, allowing you to regain control over your life. Recovery Cove in Easton, PA treats mood disorders using a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic practices. Let’s learn more about these disorders, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options available.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect a person’s emotional state. People with mood disorders may experience prolonged periods of intense sadness, excessive happiness, or fluctuating moods that disrupt their daily functioning. The most common mood disorders include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. These symptoms last two weeks or longer and interfere with sleeping, eating, or working.
  • Bipolar Disorder. This disorder involves alternating periods of depression and mania (extreme highs or elevated moods). These extreme shifts in mood can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, such as attending work or school. Bipolar disorder can be chronic or episodic.
  • Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder). A chronic form of depression, the symptoms of dysthymia last for at least two years. This persistent low mood can interfere with relationships, school, work, and daily activities.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder. A milder form of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder causes mood swings over a period of years, but they’re not as severe.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression occurs during specific seasons, typically fall and winter when the days grow shorter and there’s less sunlight. Symptoms improve during the spring and summer for most people.

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

Since there are many types of mood disorders, the symptoms can vary widely. However, there are common indicators that a person may be experiencing a mood disorder:

Depressive Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Manic Symptoms

  • Elevated or irritable mood
  • Increased energy and activity levels
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts or rapid speech
  • Impulsive or risky behaviors
  • Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

What Causes Mood Disorders?

The exact cause of mood disorders is not fully understood at this time. Rather, it seems to be a “perfect storm” of factors that come together to trigger the onset of a mood disorder. For instance, chemical imbalances in the brain may contribute to mood disorders, particularly serotonin and dopamine.

Family history also plays a role, as people who have family members with mood disorders are more likely to develop one of these conditions themselves. Other potential factors include environmental stressors, chronic illnesses, and substance use. These factors can cause changes in the brain that can increase a person’s chances of developing a mood disorder.

Diagnosing Mood Disorders

A diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and a psychological evaluation. The purpose of a physical exam is to rule out medical conditions or medication side effects that could be causing the symptoms of a mood disorder. A psychological evaluation is conducted by a mental health professional and involves the symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and your emotional well-being. Mental health professionals use the DSM-5 to assess symptoms and their impact on daily life.

Group therapy session

Treatment Options for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are treatable, and people generally do very well once they receive treatment. However, it can take some trial and error to find the right combination of treatments. As a client at Recovery Cove, you will receive a comprehensive care team that ensures your progress in our program. Here are some of the most effective treatment options for mood disorders:

Therapy

There are several types of therapies that work especially well for mood disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns, while DBT is effective for regulating emotions and managing stress. IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication.

Medication

Medications are sometimes used to manage the symptoms of mood disorders. You may not need to be on them forever, but medications can be extremely beneficial when you’re recovering and trying to learn new ways to cope. Antidepressants can help with depressive symptoms, while mood stabilizers can control the mood swings that accompany bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics are also useful for severe cases of bipolar disorder.

Lifestyle Changes

It’s important to take care of yourself, as this is how you build resilience and learn to better manage your symptoms. As part of a well-rounded treatment plan, expect to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough quality sleep, and manage your stress levels. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be particularly helpful in reducing stress and keeping your mood positive.

Support Groups

Connecting with others reduces loneliness and isolation, plus gives you opportunities to learn from others. During group sessions, you can discover some of the strategies that help other people with mood disorders and try applying them to your life. It’s also helpful to share your experiences and receive emotional support from people who understand.

Seeking Help for Mood Disorders in Easton, PA

Living with a mood disorder can feel lonely and overwhelming at times, but with the right support, you can manage this condition successfully and lead a meaningful, rewarding life. Recovery Cove offers a wide range of treatment services under one roof, allowing you to access the treatment, guidance, and support you need to heal from your mood disorder. We can also treat co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or substance use, simultaneously. Contact Recovery Cove at (818) 232-7220 to learn more about our Mental Health Program and how we can start you on the path to recovery.

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