Mood Disorders
What is a Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects your emotional state. People with mood disorders often experience long periods of extreme emotional highs and lows. There are a few different types of mood disorders, but two of the most common types are depression and bipolar disorder.
Mood disorders can cause long periods of sadness, anger and stress that overwhelm your life. But you don’t have to face these symptoms alone. At Mercy, we’re here to help you feel physically and emotionally healthy. Our behavioral health specialists can evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan based on what you need.
Types of Mood Disorders
Causes of Mood Disorders
No single cause is known, and there may be several factors that contribute to mood disorders. These disorders are most likely caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, which can be related to physical illness or the use of certain medications. Difficult life events and trauma may also contribute to mood disorders.
Mood Disorder Symptoms
Depending on several factors, like your age and the type of mood disorder you have, you may have a wide range of possible symptoms. Common signs of mood disorders include:
- Constant feelings of sadness or anxiousness
- Overwhelming sense of hopelessness
- Low self-worth or feeling inadequate
- Relationship problems
- Loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure
- Excessive guilt
- Sleep issues
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- Decreased energy
- Lack of concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Frequent physical discomfort from headaches and/or stomachaches
- Irritability, hostility or aggression
- Suicide ideation
The symptoms of mood disorders overlap with many other mental health conditions, so it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis. Your Mercy primary care provider can help assess your symptoms and direct you to specialized care. We want to make sure you get the best treatment for your needs.
If you or a loved one is feeling depressed and experiencing thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go nearest Emergency Room for immediate help.
How to Diagnose Mood Disorders
Symptoms of mood disorders are treatable, and our behavioral health specialists are here to help you find the right diagnosis and treatment. They can develop a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to living your best life. To diagnose mood disorders, your Mercy provider or behavioral health professional may:
- Perform a physical exam
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Order lab work or other tests
- Use screening tools to help with your diagnosis
- Refer to the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for diagnosing behavioral health conditions
Treatment Approaches for Mood Disorders
Mood disorders can be treated through a combination of treatments such as counseling, therapy and medication. At Mercy, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
