Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. Mood disorders can dramatically impact one's quality of life and ability to function. They are characterized by intense feelings of sadness, euphoria, or fluctuating moods that are disproportionate to life events.

Some of the most common types of mood disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder: Extended periods of profound unhappiness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in normally enjoyable activities. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of energy, suicidal ideation, and changes in sleep, appetite, and concentration.


• Bipolar disorder: Alternating episodes of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The manic phase may include increased energy, euphoria or irritability, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and risky behaviors.


• Dysthymia: A mild but chronic form of depression with symptoms that linger for at least 2 years.


• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically manifesting during winter months.

While the exact causes of mood disorders are complex, they often involve chemical imbalances in the brain and genetic predispositions. Stressful life events can also trigger the onset of symptoms.

Effective treatments for mood disorders include medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), light therapy for seasonal affective disorder, support groups, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve sleep habits.

If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of depression or mania, reach out to a mental health professional right away. The compassionate doctors at Balance Hormone Center also offer personalized hormone therapy to help patients regain emotional balance from the inside out. Imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can negatively impact mood, so getting a full workup of your hormone levels is key. Contact Balance Hormone Center today to see if hormone treatment could be beneficial alongside other mood disorder therapies.