Mood disorder - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state or feeling. Mood disorders can significantly impact daily functioning, quality of life, and relationships.

The two main categories of mood disorders are:

• Depressive disorders - characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessnesss, and/or irritability. Examples include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
• Bipolar disorders - characterized by shifts between intense high and low moods. Examples are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

Common Signs and Symptoms

People with mood disorders frequently have disturbed sleep, appetite changes, fatigue, and trouble concentrating, in addition to persistent sadness or elevated mood. Suicidal thoughts may also occur, especially with depressive disorders.

Diagnosis is made by a mental health professional based on symptoms, medical history, family history, and a clinical interview. Treatment often includes psychotherapy, medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies.

If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of depression or abnormal moods, the caring doctors at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help get to the root cause with comprehensive lab testing and evidence-based treatment plans. Contact us today for a free 15-minute phone consultation with our mood disorder experts.

Causes and Risk Factors

Research suggests mood disorders likely arise from a complex mixture of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Potential contributors include:

• Family history
• Traumatic experiences
• Chronic medical conditions
• Hormone imbalances
• Substance abuse
• Certain medications
• Major life changes

Stress often exacerbates underlying biological vulnerabilities. Females experience higher rates of depressive disorders than males.

Effective Treatments Are Available

• Psychotherapy - Helps people understand triggers, learn coping techniques, process trauma, adjust thinking patterns, etc. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used.
• Medications - Such as SNRIs, SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants for depression. Mood stabilizers like lithium and anticonvulsants for bipolar disorder. Always consult a doctor.
• Lifestyle changes - Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, exercise and social connection. Consider adding yoga, meditation, journaling, mood tracking apps, light therapy, etc.
• Alternative medicine - Research shows supplements like Omega-3s or SAM-e may boost mood. Hormone balancing through bioidentical hormones can also help stabilize moods.

With professional treatment tailored to the individual, most people with mood disorders can achieve substantial relief of symptoms and improvement in functioning. Don't hesitate to get help if you notice persistent depressive symptoms or irregular mood shifts. The compassionate medical team at Vitality Hormone Clinic offers cutting-edge testing and holistic protocols to uncover the unique reasons you may be struggling with disordered moods. Contact us to learn more!