05 Apr What are the Different Types of Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are a class of mental health conditions that are characterized by marked disruptions in your emotions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “An estimated 21.4% of U.S. adults experience any mood disorder at some time in their lives.”[1]
Living with a mood disorder can be incredibly difficult, as these conditions make it difficult to control your emotions healthily. It is possible to have a mood disorder at any stage in your life, as these conditions affect children, teens, and adults. However, it’s often more difficult to determine when a child is suffering from a mood disorder, as they may not be able to effectively express how they are feeling.
If you think you might have a mood disorder or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with one, it is important to be aware of what they are and how they can affect you.
Understanding The Different Types of Mood Disorders
There are a variety of different mood disorders that people may suffer from. While each disorder has different symptoms and patterns, most of them affect your mood, sleep, eating behaviors, energy levels, and thinking abilities. In other words, untreated mood disorders can impact almost every area of your life.
Some mood disorders have different subtypes you should be aware of. The various types of mood disorders include:
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in America. There are several types of depression, with each one causing symptoms like persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
The types of depressive disorders include:[2]
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Major depressive disorder causes persistent feelings of sadness, despair, and difficulty thinking, sleeping, or eating. To be diagnosed with MDD, you must experience symptoms for at least two weeks.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – PDD is a chronic form of MDD, as it must last at least two years. The symptoms can occasionally lessen in severity throughout the years, which makes it less severe than a major depressive disorder in some ways. However, this condition is chronic and lasts a long time, especially without treatment.
- Postpartum Depression – Postpartum depression or peripartum depression occurs during or after a pregnancy. The hormonal, physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that occur after a pregnancy can cause the symptoms of postpartum depression to emerge.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This type of depression occurs during certain parts of the year, typically during winter when the weather is cold and there is little sun. The symptoms of this condition mimic MDD and typically subside once spring or summer begins.
- Depression with Psychosis- Depression is psychosis is a type of severe depression that includes symptoms of psychotic episodes. People may experience depression, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves intense shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behavior. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives.[3]
There are different types of bipolar disorder, but each one involves significant mood changes. These types include:[4]
- Bipolar 1 Disorder – People with Bipolar 1 will experience one or more episodes of mania. While most people experience both mania and depression, depressive episodes are not necessary for diagnosis.
- Bipolar 2 Disorder – Bipolar 2 causes depressive episodes similar to Bipolar 1. However, individuals with this condition will experience hypomanic episodes, a less severe form of mania.
- Cyclothymia Disorder – People with this condition experience a chronically unstable emotional state. To get diagnosed with this disorder, one must experience hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.
- Other/Unspecified Bipolar Disorder- This diagnosis is given when someone does not meet the criteria for other types of bipolar disorder but experiences significant symptoms of abnormal mood changes.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a type of mood disorder that causes symptoms of emotional dysregulation about a week before menstruation. Within a few days of menstruation, the symptoms will lessen. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Oftentimes, this condition causes symptoms of anger, irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder affects children and is more severe than intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Symptoms typically include frequent bursts of anger and irritability that are disproportionate to the situation triggering the behavior.[5] This condition typically presents before the age of 10.
How are Mood Disorders Treated?
The exact treatment services you will receive depend on the type and severity of your mood disorder. The National Institutes of Health estimates 45% of people suffering from a mood disorder experience severe impairment.[1] Because mood disorders can be severe, treatment often includes a continuum of care.
Many people who are being treated for a mood disorder receive a combination of the following services:
- Individual therapy
- Medication
- Family counseling
- Group counseling
People experiencing significant impairments as a result of their mood disorder may require inpatient treatment. Conditions like depression and bipolar disorder often cause symptoms of suicidal ideation and even attempts, so residential mental health treatment is often necessary. These programs ensure that you receive intensive care, and evidence-based therapies, and are stabilized on medication before returning home if needed.
Find Help for a Mood Disorder Today
If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of a mood disorder, Florida Recovery Group is here to help. Our mental health professionals can help you receive a formal diagnosis and provide you with the evidence-based therapies and treatments required to help you learn to manage your condition effectively.
To learn more about our mental health treatment program in Delray Beach, contact Florida Recovery Group today.
References:
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-mood-disorder
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-common-depression-types
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder
