The Different Types Of Mental Health Mood Disorder

Mood disorders are mental health problems characterized by emotional abnormalities that include prolonged periods of extreme sadness (depression), excessive joy or exhilaration (mania), or both. Mania and depression are the two extremes, or poles, of mood disorders.

Affective disorders are another term for mood disorders. Affect (accent on the first syllable) refers to a person’s emotional condition as shown via facial expressions and movements.

Sadness and joy are natural parts of everyday life instead of the depression and mania that define mood disorders. Sadness is a normal reaction to loss, failure, disappointment, tragedy, or disaster.

Grief is the most frequent natural reaction to a loss or separation, such as a loved one’s death, divorce, or romantic disappointment. Except in persons susceptible to mood problems, mourning and loss do not usually result in persistent, incapacitating depression. The loss of a loved one creates more chronic and debilitating depression in some people, a condition known as protracted mourning disorder.

A mental health mood disorder is diagnosed when melancholy or elation is too acute, is accompanied by other common symptoms, and hinders one’s capacity to function physically, socially, and at work.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) was updated in 2013 and now divides mood disorders into two categories: bipolar disorder and associated disorders and depressive disorders. The following are the most common forms of mood disorders:

1. Major depressive disorder

It is also known as major depression or clinical depression. It is characterized by bouts of profound melancholy, hopelessness, or emptiness, as well as a multitude of somatic, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.

2. Bipolar 1 condition

This illness was previously known as “manic depression.” Mania is distinguished by euphoric and agitated moods and increased energy or activity. People with bipolar I frequently engage in behaviors that might negatively affect themselves and/or others during manic episodes.

3. Bipolar II disorder

It is defined as having at least one episode of present or previous hypomania (a milder type of mania) and at least one episode of current or past significant depression but no history of manic episodes. The criteria for mania, hypomania, and severe depression remain unchanged.

4. Cyclothymic disorder

A minimum two-year history of many bouts of not-quite hypomania and not-quite significant depression is required for diagnosis.

5. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

is a kind of depression most commonly connected with fewer daylight hours in the extreme northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring.

6. Depression caused by a medical ailment

a persistently low mood and a significant lack of enjoyment in most or all activities directly tied to another medical condition’s physical symptoms.

Other

mood disorders include substance/medication use disorders and medically induced mood disorders. There are also “other specified” and “unspecified” mood disorders, which do not fit the requirements for the other mood disorders.

New mental health mood disorder

The DSM-V now includes three new depressive illnesses.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – This diagnosis is based on the existence of one or more particular symptoms in the week preceding menstruation, followed by the remission of these symptoms once menstruation begins. Mood swings, irritability or anger, depression or despair, anxiety or tension, and one or more of an additional seven symptoms, for a total of at least five symptoms, are among the symptoms.

• Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) – This diagnosis encompasses chronic major depressive illness that lasted two years or more and was previously called a dysthymic disorder or dysthymia, a milder type of depression.

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) – This depressive disorder was introduced to the DSM-V for children up to the age of 18 who have chronic irritability and anger and frequent bouts of intense temper outbursts without significant provocation.

 Symptoms of mental health mood disorder

Mood problems can make it challenging to keep up with everyday duties and responsibilities. Some people, particularly youngsters, may have physical manifestations of depression, such as inexplicable headaches or stomachaches. Because there are several mood disorders, their consequences on quality of life might vary considerably. Symptoms, in general, may include:

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Consuming more or fewer calories than usual
• Sleeping difficulties or sleeping more than normal
• Fatigue
• Crying, Anxiety
• Feeling “flat,” as if I don’t have the energy to care
• Isolation, sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Concentration problems
• Decision-making Issues
• Guilty feelings Irritability
• Suicidal and dead thoughts

With mood disorders, these feelings persist and eventually negatively impact everyday living. They are not the occasional thoughts and sensations that everyone experiences from time to time.

Causes of Mental health mood disorder

Nobody knows what causes mood disorders, although several variables appear to have a role. They tend to run in families. The most likely reason is chemical abnormalities in the brain. Stressful life events such as death, divorce, or trauma can also induce depression, especially if someone has already experienced it or a hereditary component.

When to see a doctor?

1. Diagnosis

Mental health experts, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, should examine and treat mood problems. If any of the symptoms mentioned above interfere with your life, especially if you have suicidal thoughts, you should get treatment right once.

If you diagnose you have a mood disorder condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health expert asap. Talk to a loved one or friend, a religious leader, or someone else you trust if you’re hesitant to seek help.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose you after completing a medical exam, blood testing, and a mental examination to rule out any physical causes of your symptoms.

2. Treatment

Millions of people suffer from mood disorders and are effectively treated, enjoying better lives. Psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy, and drugs to assist control chemical imbalances in the brain can treat mood disorders. Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medicine is the most effective line of action. You can visit and read where to get mental health help to know more. 

Conclusion

Suppose you are experiencing symptoms for the mood disorder listed above or other than these for usual mood disorder or not so critical mood disorder.

In that case, you can try music therapy, acquire healthy habits, or try self-care. These activities and others listed on our website can lift your mood. 

But for critical conditions such as if you feel your emotions interfere with your career, relationships, social activities, or other aspects of your life?

Do you have a drinking or drug problem?

Suicidal thoughts or actions should be treated as soon as possible.

Your mood illness is unlikely to vanish on its own, and it may worsen over time. Seek expert treatment before your mood condition worsens; it may be simpler to treat at this stage. 

Take care of your mental health, and stay updated with our daily blog posts.