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Most people feel sad or irritable from time to time. They may say they're in a bad mood. A mood disorder is different. It affects a person's everyday emotional state. Nearly one in ten people aged 18 and older have mood disorders. These include depression and bipolar disorder (also called manic depression).

Mood disorders can increase a person's risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. With treatment, most people with mood disorders can lead productive lives.

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

The following features are indicative of Mood Disorders:
  • persistent sad or anxious mood
  • feeling of hopelessness
  • irritability
  • feeling of guilt, helplessness or worthlessness
  • loss of interest or pleasure in activities and hobbies
  • decreased energy or fatigue
  • talking or moving more slowly
  • feeling restless
  • difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions
  • difficulty sleeping
  • early-morning awakening
  • appetite or weight changes
  • thoughts of suicide or death
  • aches
  • headache
  • cramps
  • digestive problems
  • unusually intense emotion
  • changes in sleep patterns and activity levels
  • unusual behaviors

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Common Causes of Mood Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Mood Disorders:
  • genetic factors
  • biological factors
  • environmental factors
  • psychological factors
  • neurological conditions or injury

Other Causes of Mood Disorders

The following are the less common causes of Mood Disorders:
  • personality
  • non-psychiatric illnesses
  • psychiatric syndromes

Risk Factors for Mood Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Mood Disorders:
  • personal or family history of depression
  • trauma
  • certain physical illnesses
  • having a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling
  • periods of high stress
  • alcohol or drug abuse

Prevention of Mood Disorders

No, it is not possible to prevent Mood Disorders.
  • genetic factors

Occurrence of Mood Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Mood Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Mood Disorders can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Mood Disorders can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Mood Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Mood Disorders:
  • Physical examination: To check the signs and symptoms of depression
  • Lab tests: To measure complete blood count and the functioning of thyroid
  • DSM-5 criteria: To diagnose mental problems or conditions
  • ICD-10 criteria: To diagnose bipolar disorder

Doctor for Diagnosis of Mood Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Mood Disorders:
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist

Complications of Mood Disorders if untreated

Yes, Mood Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Mood Disorders is left untreated:
  • excess weight or obesity
  • pain and physical illness
  • alcohol or substance misuse
  • anxiety
  • panic disorder
  • social phobia
  • family conflicts
  • relationship difficulties
  • social isolation
  • suicidal feelings
  • suicide attempts
  • self-mutilation
  • can be fatal
  • problems related to alcohol or drug use
  • suicide or suicide attempts
  • poor work or school performance

Procedures for Treatment of Mood Disorders

The following procedures are used to treat Mood Disorders:
  • Psychotherapy: Effective for treating depression
  • Electroconvulsive therapy: To relieve depression by passing electrical currents to the brain
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation: To activate nerve cells in your brain
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: Identify and replace unhealthy, negative behaviors and beliefs
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: Stabilization of daily rhythms such as mealtimes, waking and sleeping
  • Family-focused therapy: Family support and communication help to recognize and manage signs of mood swings

Medicines for Mood Disorders

Below is the list of medicines used for Mood Disorders:

Self-care for Mood Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Mood Disorders:
  • Learn about depression: Empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan
  • Pay attention to warning signs: Prevents the worsening of depression symptoms
  • Quit drinking or using recreational drugs: Avoid alcohol or drug abuse
  • Make a healthy routine: A regular and a healthy routine for eating, physical activity and sleeping can help balance your mood
  • Consider keeping a mood chart: Keep a record of your daily moods, sleep, treatments and activities

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Mood Disorders

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Mood Disorders:
  • Intake omega-3 fatty acid supplements: Helpful in relieving depression
  • Acupuncture: Reduces the pain
  • Intake tai chi supplements: Improves flexibility, balance and muscle strength
  • Do yoga: Increase the flexibility and balance
  • Listen to music: Listening to soothing music relaxes the patient
  • Massage therapy: Relaxes the patient

Patient Support for Treatment of Mood Disorders

The following actions may help Mood Disorders patients:
  • Locate helpful groups: Helps in coping with the depression
  • Don't become isolated: Connect to others facing similar challenges and share experiences makes you feel comfortable
  • Learn about bipolar disorder: Get proper education about your condition and its treatment options
  • Stay focused on your goals: Stay motivated to manage bipolar disorder
  • Join a support group: Connect to others people with same conditions and share experience

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Mood Disorders.

Related Topics

Bipolar Disorder
Depression

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