Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. The two main types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.

Depression involves feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable for weeks or months at a time. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of interest in activities


• Changes in appetite and sleep habits


• Low energy and fatigue


• Difficulty concentrating


• Thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, a person may feel very happy, energetic, and impulsive.

Some key factors that contribute to mood disorders include:

• Brain chemistry imbalance - Changes in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine


• Stress - High levels of long-term stress can impact mood regulation


• Trauma - Past traumatic experiences may increase susceptibility

If you are struggling with feelings of depression, mania, or notice other symptoms of a potential mood disorder, the caring professionals at Butterfly Hormone Center can help. Through lab testing of key hormones and neurotransmitter levels coupled with evidence-based treatment plans, we can get to the root cause of what's impacting your mood. Feel free to () to see how we can help you reclaim balance and joy in your life.

Treatment

Mood disorders are highly treatable through various therapies and potentially medication:

• Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), helps patients identify distorted thought patterns and make positive changes over time. Through regular sessions with a licensed therapist, those with mood disorders can gain coping skills tailored to their unique situation.


• Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or mood stabilizers may be prescribed for some patients alongside therapy. These medications can help regulate neurotransmitter activity in the patient's brain chemistry related to mood.

Lifestyle changes like getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing stress through mindfulness or meditation techniques can also be very beneficial for managing mood disorder symptoms.

By identifying mood disorder warning signs early and seeking professional treatment, most are able to find relief through therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, or often a combination approach personalized to their needs. With time, symptoms can be effectively managed in order to live a fulfilling life.