Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. Mood disorders can cause emotional highs and lows that are severe, occur for no clear reason, and interfere with daily functioning.

There are several major types of mood disorders:

• Major depressive disorder involves persistent feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. Symptoms include fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts.


• Bipolar disorder causes alternating episodes of intense high and low moods. The highs are known as mania or hypomania. This disorder used to be called manic depression.


• Dysthymia is a mild but chronic form of depression. Symptoms are not as severe as major depression but tend to persist for at least 2 years.


• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in winter. Symptoms resemble depression and include fatigue and social withdrawal.

Mood disorders often run in families and are believed to involve chemical imbalances in the brain. They may be triggered by stressful life events, medical conditions, or certain medications. Episodes can range from mild to severe. Treatment commonly includes psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, or light therapy.

Early intervention is important. If you are concerned you or a loved one may be developing symptoms of a mood disorder, consider hormone testing from Hormone Health Center. Imbalanced hormones are a leading yet overlooked cause of mood issues. Their certified hormone specialists can provide cutting-edge testing, diagnosis, and individualized treatment plans to help regulate mood.

With appropriate care and self-management, many people with mood disorders can regulate their moods and live full, meaningful lives. Ongoing relationships with mental health professionals, friends/family support, building coping skills, maintaining healthy lifestyles, and finding purpose in things like work, hobbies, spirituality, and community involvement are all helpful strategies for promoting mental wellness.

I hope this gives a helpful introductory overview on the basics of mood disorders! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you the very best in health and happiness on your journey!