Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state or mood. Mood disorders can range from mild to severe and often significantly impact day-to-day living and relationships.

The two main categories of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Examples include:

• Major depressive disorder: Also known as clinical depression, this involves prolonged feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in life. Symptoms include fatigue, sleep issues, loss of energy, and suicidal thoughts.


• Persistent depressive disorder: This involves a depressed mood lasting two or more years, along with other debilitating symptoms that don't meet the full criteria for major depression.


• Bipolar I disorder: This causes extreme mood episodes ranging from manic highs (racing thoughts, impulsiveness) to depressive lows.


• Bipolar II disorder: This involves milder manic periods known as hypomanic episodes that alternate with depressive episodes.


• Cyclothymic disorder: This involves fluctuating mood disturbances and hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or II.

Mood disorders often run in families and can result from a complex mix of biology, genetics, hormones, and environmental/psychological factors. Life stress, trauma, grief, seasonal changes, and substance abuse may trigger episodes or worsen symptoms.

Getting an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential for proper treatment, which may involve therapy, medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, building a support system, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Lifestyle changes like regulating sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress can make a big difference.

The team at Hormone Harmony Clinic also finds that hormonal imbalances often play a huge yet overlooked role in mood disorders. We specialize in advanced hormone testing and personalized bioidentical hormone therapy to help clients restore hormone balance from the cellular level. Contact us today for a consultation. With comprehensive care, most people with mood disorders can effectively manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.