Facts to Know About
Mood Disorders

John Hopkins Medicine defines a mood disorder as “a health class that health professionals use to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders.” Mood disorders affect about 9.5 percent or 20.9 million American adults aged 18 and older, says the 2005 National Comorbidity Survey-Replication study. The most common type is depression, but also include dysthymia and substance-induced mood disorders. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading behavioral health disorder for Americans of all ages.

Mood disorders are treatable with the right interventions. Therapy and medication management can help. Understanding your mood disorder is critical. The more you know the sooner you can intervene and get the care you deserve.

Important Facts About Mood Disorder

  • Mood disorders haven’t always been well understood. In the past, some even believed that they were not treatable!
  • Mood disorders can also increase the likelihood of developing other medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart diseases, anxiety etc.
  • There is no specific “cause”, but these disorders can be the result of imbalances of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The imbalance could be triggered by genetic factors, an illness, hormonal changes, or substance abuse.
  • Mood disorders aren’t something that you or a loved one can simply “shake off”. They are treatable, however, they require proper intervention and treatment.
  • Symptoms can be difficult to recognize. There are no specific symptoms or tests that would indicate a mood condition. Thus, these are especially difficult to recognize, especially among children and teens. Confused, children may exhibit behaviors that aren’t exactly symptom-like, such as tantrums or grumpiness. “Moodiness” isn’t always thought of as unusual for many adolescents. Many older adults experiencing depression may also go undiagnosed as many may think that decreased energy and motivation is a natural part of aging. It is not. If you or someone you love does not seem like themselves, consulting with a professional can be wise. 

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders often include symptoms of depression and mania. Both can present differently, knowing what symptoms may look like can help you to get care if and when you need it. 

Emotional Symptoms of Mood Disorders Can Include:

  • Thoughts of and attempts at suicide
  • Loss of interest in activities that were pleasurable in the past
  • Unyielding anxiety, sadness or feelings of emptiness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

Emotional Symptoms of Mania Include:

  • Prolonged periods of elation, or “feeling on top of the world”
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability, agitation or excessive energy
  • Feelings of grandiosity
  • Impulsive, risky or hedonistic behavior

Physical Symptoms of Mood Disorders:

  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Headaches, body aches, pains, cramps or digestive problems
  • Difficulty remembering details, making decisions or concentrating
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Excessive sleeping or insomnia

Physical Symptoms of Mania:

  • Racing thoughts and jumping from one idea to the next
  • Pressured or rapid speech
  • Increased goal-directed activities
  • Being easily distracted
  • Insomnia

Treating Mood Disorders Effectively

Mood disorder symptoms can be isolating and overwhelming, but you aren’t alone. There are many effective interventions to treat mood disorders, including therapy and psychiatric medication management. Many find that combining these approaches creates a comprehensive treatment plan that works. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC contracts with skilled licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals. Start getting the care you need and deserve. Call CCS today to get started. 

Providers are in-network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare and many more. Call now!

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