Mood Disorders: Examples, Meaning, Treatment - Verywell Health
Mood disorders are psychiatric conditions characterized by prolonged and pervasive emotional disturbances affecting the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. The term refers to depressive disorders and bipolar disorders, including their subtypes.
This article will cover the conditions that fall under the mood disorder category, as well as characteristics and causes of mood disorders, what to know about getting diagnosed with a mood disorder and common treatment options available.
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Mood Disorders in Psychology and Psychiatry
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), mood disorders (affective disorders) are categorized as either depressive disorders or bipolar and related disorders. Subtypes are defined below.
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, affects the way a person feels, thinks, and acts. Symptoms include:
- Severe sadness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
Decreased functionality at home and work - Feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness
Other symptoms include difficulties making decisions, extreme fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, and thoughts of suicide or suicidal behaviors.
If you or a loved one needs mental health support, contact the SAMHSA National Hotline for treatment and support group referrals at 800-662-HELP (4357). If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Persistent depressive disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is characterized by chronic, but markedly less intense depression symptoms. Depressive episodes in this subtype may be longer lasting than with typical depression, with symptoms ongoing for two or more years.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with a specific pattern of symptom onset and resolution. Symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Anger
- Irritability
- Depressed mood
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
They present in the week or two before menstruation starts and typically last two or three days after menstruation starts.
Bipolar 1 disorder
Bipolar 1 disorder (bipolar disorder) is characterized by at least one manic episode in a person's lifetime. A manic episode involves extreme increases in energy and activity, excitement, and feelings of euphoria. Mania also involves a marked decreased need for sleep, uncontrollable racing thoughts, increased risky behaviors, and faster speech. These changes are noticeably different from the person's typical behaviors and cause severe dysfunction.
People with bipolar disorder also experience depressive episodes, as well as psychotic symptoms that include disorganized thoughts, false beliefs, and hallucinations.
Bipolar 2 Disorder
Bipolar 2 disorder is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that may even feel pleasurable as it can increase performance and functionality. Between episodes, people return to typical everyday functioning.
Cyclothymic disorder
People with cyclothymic disorder experience more frequent mood swings between depressive and hypomanic episodes. Diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder requires a person to have experienced many mood episodes over the course of the last two years, none of which fit the criteria for bipolar 1 or 2. Symptoms must last at least half the time and persisted for more than two months.
Substance- or Medication-Induced Mood Disorder
Using alcohol, drugs (e.g. cannabis, cocaine, and opioids), and certain medications can cause a person to experience symptoms of depression or symptoms of bipolar disorder (particularly psychosis).
To be considered a substance or medication-induced mood disorder, the symptoms must not have been present before you started using alcohol, drugs, or medications that may be responsible.
Is C-PTSD a Mood Disorder?
Complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) also severely impacts a person's emotions. It involves overlapping symptoms of depression including persistent sadness, guilt, and suicidal thinking. It is not a mood disorder listed in the DSM. C-PTSD is considered as a form of traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorder.
Characteristics of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders have some overlapping symptoms and symptom differences. These defining features will help determine the appropriate diagnosis, so you can access the most effective treatment.
Symptom overlaps
No two people will experience a mood disorder in the exact same way. However, the key symptom overlap in mood disorders is some level of emotional (mood) disturbance. Depression symptoms are also present in all mood disorders.
Symptom differences
Symptom differences across mood disorders include the severity of symptoms, the level at which the symptoms impact a person's overall functioning, frequency and duration of symptoms, and whether or not someone experiences mania or hypomania. People living with depressive disorders do not experience mania or hypomania, whereas people living with bipolar disorders must experience mania or hypomania to receive diagnosis.
Anxiety in Mood Disorders
People experiencing mood disorders can also experience symptoms of anxiety. However, having symptoms of anxiety is not the same as having an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders fall under their own category in the DSM.
What Causes Mood Disorders?
The exact cause of mood disorders is not known, but research has shown that mood disorders are caused by a combination of factors.
Groups with a higher risk
Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing or experiencing mood disorders. Higher risk is associated with:
Medical Conditions Linked to Mood Disorders
Medical conditions associated with mood disorders include:
- Encephalitis
- Brain tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart, thyroid, or chronic kidney disease
- Sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis or AIDS
- Influenza or Q fever
- Cancer
Pathway to Diagnosing Mood Disorders
Overlapping symptoms and living with more than one psychiatric or health condition (comorbidities) may complicate the pathway to diagnosing mood disorders.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, consider consulting with your healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to symptoms. Healthcare providers can help determine whether or not your symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for specific mood disorders, and they can prescribe medications, suggest additional appropriate treatment methods, and make referrals to psychiatrists where necessary for further evaluation.
Mood Disorder Treatments
Mood disorder treatments include:
If these treatment methods are not providing relief from symptoms, additional or alternative treatments may be advised. For example, people with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder may be suitable for brain stimulation therapy.
Summary
Mood disorders severely affect the way a person thinks, feels, and act. They include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Diagnosis begins by seeing a healthcare provider. Treatment involves medication or psychotherapy.
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