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A mood disorder is a class of serious mental illnesses. The term broadly describes all types of depression and bipolar disorders. Children, teens, and adults can all have mood disorders. But children and teens don’t always have the same symptoms as adults. It’s harder to diagnose mood disorders in children. That's because they can't always express how they feel. Therapy, medicines, and support and self-care can help treat mood disorders. What are the different types of mood disorders?
These are the most common types of mood disorders:
Many factors help lead to mood disorders. They are likely caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Life events (such as stressful life changes) may also help lead to a depressed mood. Mood disorders also tend to run in families.
Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. But mood disorders are more intense and last longer. They are also harder to manage than normal feelings of sadness. Children, teens, or adults who have a parent with a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. But life events and stress can expose or worsen feelings of sadness or depression. This makes the feelings harder to manage. Sometimes life's problems can trigger depression. Things such as being fired from a job, getting divorced, losing a loved one, having a death in the family, and financial trouble, all can be difficult. Coping with the pressure may be troublesome. These life events and stress can bring on feelings of sadness or depression. Or they can make a mood disorder harder to manage. The risk of depression in women is nearly twice as high as it is for men. Once a person in the family has this diagnosis, their siblings and their children have a higher chance of the same diagnosis.
Depending on age and the type of mood disorder, a person may have different symptoms when they become depressed. The following are the most common symptoms of a mood disorder:
In mood disorders, these feelings are more intense than what a person may normally feel from time to time. It’s also of concern if these feelings continue over time. Or if they interfere with someone's interest in family, friends, community, or work. Any person who has thoughts of suicide should get medical help right away. If you can't get in immediately to your primary care provider, go to a reputable mental health facility in your community. Don't put it off. The symptoms of mood disorders may seem like other conditions or mental health problems. Always talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. When suicide is a risk
Mood disorders can cause repeated thoughts of death or suicide, planning for death, or wishing to die. People with these symptoms should get treatment right away. Call 911 if a person has suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan. Don't leave the person alone, even for a moment. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Mood disorders are serious illnesses. A psychiatrist or other mental health provider often diagnoses mood disorders with a complete health history and psychiatric evaluation.
Mood disorders can often be treated with success. Treatment may include:
Families play a vital supportive role in any treatment process. Someone with a mood disorder may have times of stability and times when symptoms return. Long-term, continuous treatment can help the person stay healthy and control symptoms. When correctly diagnosed and treated, people with mood disorders can live, stable, productive, healthy lives.
At this time, there are no ways to prevent or reduce mood disorders. But early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms. It can also enhance the person’s normal growth and development, and improve their quality of life. Key points about mood disorders
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Paul Ballas MD Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN © 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. |