Understanding Mood Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Types of Mood Disorders

There are a number of different types of mood disorders, which impact the feelings and actions in various ways. The most commonly known ones are:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

It is described by the prolonged spells of intense sadness, despair, and lack of interest in everyday life. Major Depressive Disorder disrupts normal daily activity, appetite, sleep and cognitive functions.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent type of depression over a period of two or more years. Symptoms are not as serious as the major depression but more enduring.

3. Bipolar I Disorder

A severe mood swings between manic episode (high energy, impulsive behavior, elevated mood, etc.) and major depressive episode. The mania episodes of Bipolar I is normally severe.

4. Bipolar II Disorder

Similar to Bipolar I, but it also has hypomania in place of mania. People also have serious cases of depression.

5. Cyclothymic Disorder

Less acute form of bipolar disorder that includes long lasting mood oscillations of at least two years, with periods of hypomania and minor depression.

6. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Was done at particular time of year, usually winter. The effects include loss of energy, sadness and excessive sleepiness as a result of less exposure to daylight.

7. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Diagnosed in adolescents and children. Several outbursts of temper and extreme irritability.

8. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

One of the worst manifestations of PMS is a strong variation of mood, irritability and depression in the days leading to the menstruation period.

9. Substance/Medication-Induced Mood Disorder

 Directly caused by alcohol, drugs, or by some prescription medication.

10. Mood Disorder Due to a Medical Condition

Presents when other underlying health problems, including thyroid diseases, neurological disorders or chronic diseases, result in depression or mania.

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

The symptoms of different mood disorders are different, although most conditions have common patterns of influencing emotions, behavior, physical and cognitive health. The most noticeable ones are as follows:

Emotional Symptoms

• Various levels of constant depression or despair.
• Extreme euphoria, irritability or rapidity of spirit.
• Conscience, meaninglessness, nothingness.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Rapid thinking or retarded thinking.
• Poor decision-making
• Severe suicidal ideation.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Manic episodes- self-destructive conduct.
• Agitation or risk-taking.

Physical Symptoms

• Sleep (insomnia or oversleeping) changes.
• Appetite fluctuations
• Fatigue or low energy
• No medical physical aches.

A mood disorder is strongly indicated by having five or more symptoms of depression and feeling two or more episodes of mania or hypomania.

Causes of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders cannot be attributed to one cause. On the contrary, they arise as a result of a mix of biological, psychological and environmental determinants.

1. Genetic Factors

The mood disorders are family-related. With the history of depression or bipolar disorder, it is likely to experience anxiety, mood disorder or depression.

2. Brain Chemistry Imbalances

The causes of mood instability may be due to neurotransmitters disruption i.e. serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications regulate mood, enthusiasm and stress response.

3. Environmental Stressors

Mood disorder may develop as a result of major changes in life, financial problems, chronic stress, and trauma, and other causes.

4. Medical Conditions

Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders as well as autoimmune disorders are examples of triggers and exacerbating factors of mood symptoms.

5. Substance Use

Alcohol, illegal substances, and certain prescription medications may bring about depressive or manic symptoms.

6. Personality Traits

Highly sensitive, perfectionistic or negative thinking people can be more susceptible to mood disorders.

In order to develop the treatment plan that will adequately satisfy the needs of particular individuals, it is essential to comprehend the causative factor.

Treatment of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are very amenable to treatment particularly when early management is done and a mental health plan is in place. It can be treated using therapy, medication, lifestyle modification, or a combination of both.

1. Psychotherapy

Therapy enables one to know what s/he thinks, what s/he does and what s/he causes. The effective therapeutic approaches are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps attack upon negative patterns of thinking and enhances good coping patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Helps control emotions and are mindful, which are useful in mood swings and impulsiveness.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Focuses on emotional tension, relationship issues and communication issues.

Family or Couples Therapy

Enhances networking and supporting.

2. Medication

Professionals in the sphere of healthcare could provide prescriptions:

• Antidepressants (SNRI/ tricyclics/ SSRIs )
• Antidepressants (antidepressant fluoxetine, antidepressant levodopa, tralopyramide)
• Mood symptoms Antipsychotic drugs in bipolar disorder.

Medications are probably the most effective when used in conjunction with therapy.

3. Lifestyle and Holistic Approaches

Mood disorder manifestations can be reduced with the help of healthy behaviors:

• Regular exercise
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Nutritious diet
• Environmentally friendly stress relievers.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs

Habits of everyday which make the way of form and order.

4. Brain-Based Therapies

Those who are non-respondent to the conventional therapy can be exposed to the sophisticated interventions such as:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (referred to as a last option)
• Ketamine infusion therapy

These methods involve a brain circuit that is mood-regulating.

5. Support Groups and Education

The support groups enable individuals to interact with others who have gone through the same problems. Psychoeducation enables individuals and families to be knowledgeable about symptoms and expectations of treatment.

6. Inpatient or Outpatient Programs

Structured programs are used to offer intensive support to moderate to severe mood disorders:

• Crisis stabilization in inpatient mental health treatment.
• Continuous therapy and monitoring partial hospitalization and outpatient therapy.

Such programs assist individuals to stabilize themselves and come up with long-term coping mechanisms.