What is a mood disorder?
A mood disorder is a condition where someone experiences persistent feelings of sadness, elevated moods, or fluctuations between extreme happiness and extreme sadness that negatively impact their life. Mood disorders differ from typical mood changes in that the feelings are more severe, last longer, and interfere with regular functioning.
There are several major types of mood disorders:
- Major depressive disorder: Characterized by persistent feelings of intense sadness, despair, and loss of interest in usual activities. Symptoms include fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating, and in severe cases - thoughts of suicide.
- Bipolar disorder: Involves dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels. People experience both manic episodes (periods of abnormally elevated mood and energy) as well as depressive episodes. Manic symptoms may include rapid speech, racing thoughts, increased risk-taking, and decreased need for sleep.
- Dysthymia: A chronic, mild form of depression that causes depressive symptoms for most days over a period of at least 2 years. Symptoms are less severe than major depression but can still interfere with relationships and daily activities.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression that emerges during change of seasons, typically starting in late fall/early winter and going away in spring/summer. Common symptoms include low energy, increased desire to sleep, craving for carbohydrates, and weight gain.
Risk factors for developing mood disorders include family history, significant stress or trauma, substance abuse, hormonal factors, and in some cases - certain medical conditions or medications.
If you suspect you may have a mood disorder, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A combination of therapy and medication often yields good results. Lifestyle changes like regulating sleep, nutrition, exercise can also make a big difference.
The caring medical professionals at Hormone Harmony Clinic offer cutting-edge hormone therapy to help patients restore healthy hormonal balances that play a huge role in supporting positive mood and emotional wellbeing. I highly recommend checking out their website to learn more!