Mood Disorders

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What are Mood Disorders?

A mood disorder is characterized by abnormalities in a person’s emotional state. It encompasses several psychological disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. The patient’s emotional state is often inconsistent with their circumstances. There are many things that can cause a mood disorder, including psychological and physiological issues. In addition to bipolar disorder and clinical depression, there are two other mood disorders. These are cyclothymic disorders and dysthymic disorders.

Cyclothymic Disorders

Cyclothymic disorders cause ups and downs similar to a bipolar disorder; however, the ups and downs are not as extreme. During the high phase of this disorder, patients may experience euphoria, inflated self-esteem, aggressive behavior, agitation, risky behavior and racing thoughts. During the lows of this disorder, patients may experience suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, fatigue, hopelessness and loss of interest.

Dysthymic Disorders

Dysthymic disorder is a chronic form of depression; however, it is not as severe as clinical depression. During episodes of dysthymia, patients may experience sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, poor appetite and feelings of guilt. In children, symptoms can include poor social skills, low self-esteem, poor educational performance, ADHD and learning and developmental disorders in addition to the symptoms listed above.

Bipolar Disorders

Many people call bipolar disorder a manic-depressive disorder because it is associated with intense mood swings. Patient’s mood swings can occur a couple of times each year or they can happen several times each day. Additionally, some patients may experience depression and mania at the same time. Symptoms of bipolar disorders are similar to cyclothymic disorders; however, the symptoms are more intense.

Clinical Depression

Clinical depression affects how patients think, feel and interact with others. Many sufferers have trouble doing day to day tasks and may think life is not worth living. Clinical depression is much more than a few days of feeling sad. Patients suffering with depression may feel an emptiness that cannot be filled, experience appetite changes, have thoughts of suicide, suffer with physical pain and can no longer find pleasure in activities that they once enjoyed.

Causes of Mood Disorders

Physicians do not know the exact cause of a mood disorder; however, researchers have found that changes in the brain occur during a mood disorder. Some patients exhibit changes in serotonin levels, dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters send signals to the synaptic passages in the brain that controls emotions. Additionally, traumatic events can cause a mood disorder. During a traumatic event, the mind utilizes any means necessary to cope with the event. Oftentimes, a traumatic event can change the chemical makeup of the brain.

Risk Factors for Mood Disorders

One of the primary causes of mood disorders is alcohol or drug abuse. The toxic substances can cause changes in the brain, which can result in mood disorders. These drugs include opioids, sedatives, hallucinogens, amphetamines and cocaine. These substances can cause a variety of mental disorders, including clinical depression and bipolar disorder.

Family history, sleep disorders, traumatic events and medications can also cause mood disorders. The term mood disorder encompasses mild depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety as well as bipolar disorder and clinical depression. Patients with mood disorders have inconsistent moods, such as mania and hypomania. During a manic stage, patients will exhibit feelings of euphoria, impulsiveness and racing thoughts. During hypomania, patients may feel fatigued, depressed and have suicidal thoughts.

Treatment Options For Mood Disorders

Prescription medications – There are several medications that can help ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including antidepressants, low dose antipsychotic medications and anticonvulsant drugs.

Functional Medicine – Our functional medicine practitioners do a comprehensive evaluation and will evaluate your symptoms and help identify the root causes of your mood disorders. We will work with you to help develop a holistic approach to address your physical and emotional ailments.

Homeopathy – Homeopathy uses elements in nature to help heal the body, mind and spirit through minuscule, diluted doses. Homeopathic remedies for anxiety can help ease nervousness without any harmful side effects or addictions. A recent study found that homeopathic treatments can improve social phobias and panic disorders in sixty percent of its participants.