Mood Disorders

Understanding Mood Disorders

Types of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders vary widely, but some of the most commonly diagnosed include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent feelings of sadness or a lack of interest in external stimuli. People with MDD may experience a significant impairment in their daily life activities.
• Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood shifts range from manic highs to depressive lows, with periods of normal mood in between.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder involving chronic, fluctuating mood disturbances involving periods of hypomania and mild depression.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter.
• Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder): A chronic form of depression where a person's mood is regularly low. However, symptoms are not as severe as major depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of mood disorder but typically include:

DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite – significant weight loss or gain
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

MANIC SYMPTOMS (IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS)

• Elevated or irritable mood
• Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
• Decreased need for sleep
• More talkative than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking
• Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
• Distractibility
• Increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation
• Engaging in activities that hold the potential for painful consequences

Causes of Mood Disorders

While the exact cause of mood disorders isn't known, a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors are involved.

• Genetic: A family history of mood disorders increases the risk.
• Biological: Imbalances in brain chemicals can influence mood regulation.
• Environmental: Traumatic events such as the death of a loved one, high stress, or problematic family settings can trigger mood disorders.
• Psychological: Individuals with low self-esteem or negative outlooks are more prone to depression.

Treatment for Mood Disorders at Freesia Health

At Freesia Health, we offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual's specific needs, which may include:

• Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications are often used to manage symptoms effectively.
• Psychotherapy: Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective for treating mood disorders. CBT helps patients understand their emotions and develop healthier thinking patterns.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.
• Support Groups and Education: Helping individuals and families understand mood disorders and connect with others facing similar challenges.

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