Introduction

People with mood disorders often experience a decreased quality of life; if they have depressive episodes, they may feel irritable, worthless, or uninterested in things they normally care about.

They may also have suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours. If they experience episodes of mania or depression, they may feel overly energetic or on a natural high, with racing thoughts and words that pour out more quickly than usual.

In contrast, it can also make the person sad, depressed, and unable to keep track of daily life as another polarity of mood disorder.

This is particularly evident in cases of bipolar disorder, where individuals experience significant shifts in mood and energy levels.

While it is common for mood disorders to arise during adolescence, they can affect people at any age, even in adulthood.

Mood disorders affect children and adolescents, and females are more likely than males to experience them.

People with chronic medical conditions are more prone to mood disorders, particularly depressive disorders.

In this blog, we delve into the complexities of signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for this often misunderstood condition.

What is a Mood Disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that can significantly impact your emotional state.

It is a condition where you might go through extended periods of intense happiness, profound sadness, or both.

Some mood disorders also include persistent feelings like anger and irritability. 

While it's typical for moods to fluctuate based on circumstances, diagnosis of a mood disorder requires symptoms to persist for two weeks or more. 

These disorders can lead to behavioral changes and disrupt your ability to carry out daily tasks, like work or school.

Types of Mood Disorders

With the update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013, there are two types of mood disorders:

Depressive disorder and Bipolar disorder.

Depressive disorders include various types:

The major depressive disorder occurs when a person experiences continuous sadness, loss of interest in favourite activities, changes in eating and/or sleeping habits, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, trouble concentrating, and/or related symptoms for at least two weeks.

Persistent depressive disorder occurs when a person experiences mild to moderate symptoms of depression that last for at least two years (or one year for children or adolescents).

Seasonal affective disorder occurs when a person experiences symptoms of major depressive disorder during colder months of the year when the days are shorter and darker.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder occurs when a child or adolescent is angrier and more irritable than expected, based on their circumstances.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs when depressive symptoms arise the week before a woman’s menstrual period and fade away with the onset of menstruation.

Postpartum depression occurs when symptoms of depression arise in a new mother during the four weeks immediately after childbirth.

Bipolar spectrum disorders include not only depressive episodes but also one or more episodes of mania or hypomania, highlighting the complexity of bipolar disorder.

Mania is a condition where a person experiences feelings of elation for at least a week, along with high energy levels, little desire for sleep, irritability, distractibility, and poor lifestyle choices, including making risky decisions.

Hypomania, on the other hand, is a less intense version of mania, with milder symptoms that may last at least four days.

Several types of bipolar disorders have been described depending on how manic and hypomanic episodes alternate with depressive episodes. These include:

Bipolar disorder I: It is characterized by at least one episode of mania and some symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder II: It is characterized by episodes of major depressive disorder and at least one episode of hypomania.

Cyclothymia: It is similar to bipolar disorder and has milder symptoms that last about two years.

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

Due to the variety of mood disorders, mood disorder symptoms can have diverse impacts on quality of life. Common symptoms may involve:

Mania: Increased energy, activity, talkative, sociability, overfamiliarity, increased sexual drive, and decreased need for sleep.

Depression: Loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, crying, anxiety, lack of energy, feelings of isolation, difficulty concentrating, decision-making challenges, feelings of guilt, irritability, and suicidal thoughts.

In cases of mood disorders, these symptoms persist and gradually hinder daily functioning. They differ from the occasional sporadic thoughts and emotions experienced by everyone.

Causes of Mood Disorders

The exact cause of mood disorders is still unknown, but the combination of some factors can cause this condition:

Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, may play a role in mood disorders.

Genetics: Mood disorders tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Life events: Stressful life events, such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or a relationship breakup, can trigger a mood disorder.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, chronic pain, and heart disease, can increase the risk of mood disorders.

Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can worsen mood disorders or even trigger them in some people.

Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as neuroticism or pessimism, may be more at risk for mood disorders.

Childhood experiences: Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can increase the risk of developing a mood disorder later in life.

Social factors: Lack of social support, isolation, and poverty can also contribute to mood disorders.

It's important to note that not everyone who experiences these factors will necessarily develop a mood disorder, and not all mood disorders are the same.

Seeking professional help and support can help manage mood disorders and improve one's quality of life.

Diagnosis of Mood Disorders

Diagnosing a mood disorder is a complex process that should only be carried out by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose a mood disorder, but mental health professionals usually use a combination of methods for diagnosis. These include:

Diagnostic interview, which involves a conversation with the mental health professional about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

They may inquire about your medical history and family history of mental illness.

Treatment for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders can be treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication.

Talk therapy: Also known as psychotherapy, it involves discussing your condition and related issues with a mental health professional. Various types of therapy, such as:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Family-focused Therapy can help manage symptoms and prevent their return. For some individuals with depression, other procedures known as brain stimulation therapies may be recommended. These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): However, they are typically considered secondary treatments and are only used when other treatments have not been successful.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation: This helps you understand your impairments and get back to your previous life while training you to habituate your functional life, occupational life, social life, and family life.

Medication can be used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. The best drug for you will depend on how well it controls your symptoms, how well you tolerate it, and your preferences.

It's important to note that medication should be used in conjunction with talk therapy to achieve the best results.

Conclusion

Mood disorders can be difficult to handle, but it's important to know that you don't have to face them alone.

You can manage your mental health by understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options available.

Remember, your diagnosis does not define you.

You can significantly improve your emotional well-being and lead a satisfying life with proper support and proven methods. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance - it's a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, don’t hesitate—reach out and book a therapy session with us today.

FAQs

Can mood disorders be prevented?

At this time, there are no ways to prevent or reduce mood disorders. However, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity and rapid onset of symptoms. It can also enhance a person’s normal growth and development and improve their quality of life.

What is the best therapy for mood swings?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is extensively researched and found to be effective in treating mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another effective therapy for mood swings, which combines cognitive techniques with mindfulness practices, helping individuals regulate emotions and improve relationships.

Why do I cry so easily?

Easy crying can be caused by mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, or depression, or by hormonal imbalances or neurological conditions.

What is a mood stabilizer?

Mood stabilizers are medications commonly prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder to balance out their mood swings.

References

• National Library of Medicine (2022). Mood Disorder. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558911/ (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
  
• SAMHSA (2019). Bipolar Disorder. Available at https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/bipolar (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
• National Institute of Mental Health (2021). Depression. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
• University of Rochester Medical Center (2019). Overview of mood disorder. Available at https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00759. (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
• Mental Health America (2021). Mood Disorders. Available at https://mhanational.org/conditions/mood-disorders (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
• National Institute of Mental Health (2021). Anxiety Disorder. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders (Accessed on 05/05/2024).
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• Mayo Clinic (2024). Mood Disorder. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mood-disorders/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365058 (Accessed on 05/05/2024).