NABHS provides resources and access to professionals for treating mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, to help overall well- being.
Mood disorders can be described as that category of mental illnesses in which the underlying problem mainly impacts the person’s mood or emotional state. The main feature of a mood disorder is fluctuating moods. This fluctuating mood causes impairment of normal functioning and makes it difficult for the person to lead a normal life.
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Different Types of Mood Disorders
The most common types of mood disorder are-
- Depression
- Dysthymia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
- Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar and Related Disorder.
Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are on continuous rise and pose significant problems. These conditions are widely present, affect millions of people globally, and can significantly lower one’s quality of life.
Evidence also shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly flared up the severity of mood disorders, accentuating the necessity for effective treatments and commonly accessible mental health care.
Mood Disorder Risk Factors
Mood disorders are mental illnesses that affect a person’s emotions, mood, and behavior critically. The emergence of mood disorders may be influenced by a number of risk factors, including:
- Genetics and family history: Studies have found that mood disorders are likely to be partially inherited and that they tend to run in families in some cases.
- Chronic medical diseases: Mood disorders are often more likely to develop in people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.
- Substance abuse: Addiction to substances, especially alcohol, and drugs, substantially heightens the chance of developing mood disorders.
- Trauma or abuse: Traumatic events experienced as a child or an adult can also increase the risk of developing mood disorders.
- Life stresses: Relationship issues, financial hardships, and tragedies caused by the loss of loved ones are just a few aspects of the stressors in life that can have an impact on a person’s mood.
- Personality traits: Some personality traits, such as poor self-esteem and pessimistic thought patterns in an individual, might make people more likely to experience mood disorders.
- Brain structure and function: Changes in the structure and function of the brain can be a factor in the onset of mood disorders.
- Hormonal imbalances: Menopause, pregnancy, thyroid, and other hormonal imbalances could perhaps also raise the risk of mood disorders.
- Lack of social support: A lack of social support, such as having few friends or feeling isolated, contributes equally to the risk of mood disorders.
- Prescription drugs: Certain prescription drugs like steroids can also raise the risk of mood swings.
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It’s worth emphasizing that a person does not necessarily acquire a mood disorder just because they have one or more of these risk factors. Having a risk factor might increase the chances to develop a mood disorder, but the actual onset of the disorder might depend on other factors as well. In order to manage mood disorders and enhance the quality of life, it’s critical to get early medical attention.
Common Symptoms Of Mood Disorder
The signs of mood disorders can include prolonged feelings of sorrow or happiness, changes to eating habits and disturbed sleep patterns, a lack of energy and enthusiasm, a sense of guilt or worthlessness, impaired concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide. There may also be additional physical symptoms, such as headaches or digestive problems.
Mood disorder symptoms rely on the specific disorder type. Some common symptoms include:
- Bipolar Disorder: Individuals may experience periods of Mania (high or irritated mood, overactivity, declined sleep), frustration, and sadness in bipolar disorder.
- Depression: This causes a person lack of motivation, hopelessness, detached from activity that once seemed enjoyable, conflicts in relationship, isolation, and thoughts of self-harm.
- Other mood disorders, such as Cyclothymic disorder (recurrent mood swings between hypomania and moderate depression) and Dysthymia (chronic, low-grade depression), share similar symptoms as depression and bipolar disorder but differ in their severity and duration.
Treatment Options For Mood Disorder
There are several rehabilitation and treatment options available for people having mood disorders. Some of which are:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT medical procedure uses electrical stimulation to treat people with severe cases of depression.
- Light therapy: Light therapy or commonly called phototherapy, can be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, usually referred to as talk therapy, is a common treatment for mood disorders. This involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy.
- Medication: Mood stabilizers and antidepressants prescription from a healthcare expert can help control mood and reduce the symptoms of mood disorders.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, and stress-management techniques, can help improve mood and mitigate symptoms of mood disorders.
- Support groups: Support groups can provide a comfortable and friendly environment where people can connect with others who are facing similar difficulties.
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): CAM therapy for mood disorders comprises patients with herbal supplements, massage therapy, and acupuncture, among many others.
- Inpatient facility: Hospitalization may be necessary to provide round-the-clock monitoring and treatment in patients with a severe mood disorders.
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The ideal treatment strategy for patients’ requirements should be determined in collaboration with a mental health expert. A combination of therapies and treatments may be required for the best results.
We Are In This Together
At NABHS, we aim at providing innovative and compassionate care for individuals struggling with mood disorders. If you are struggling with any mood disorder and looking for some help, our team of experienced mental health professionals offer a range of treatments, including counseling, medication management, and complementary therapies, tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
We understand that getting treatment for a mood disorder can be difficult, but we hope that our warm and welcoming atmosphere and dedication to patient-centered care can make the process less challenging. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter future. Book your appointment today!
