What is a mood disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's emotional state. The two main types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Other common symptoms include:
Depression can range from mild to severe. Major depression interferes with daily activities and may require treatment to improve.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. People with bipolar disorder alternate between periods of mania and depression.
Manic episodes may involve:
Depressive episodes involve the symptoms described above. The cycles between mania and depression may happen a few times a year or many times within a week.
Causes
Research suggests mood disorders arise from a complex interaction of:
Treatments
Mood disorders are highly treatable conditions. Common treatments include:
Oftentimes a combination of therapy and medication leads to the best outcomes. Seeking professional help is important for improving symptoms and quality of life.
While living with a mood disorder may be challenging, many people find great relief from an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. With proper care and self-compassion, you can manage your symptoms, regain stability, and thrive.
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