From time to time, everyone experiences moments of sadness or low mood. It could be due to work being overwhelming, the hectic schedules of your children, lack of sufficient sleep, or simply the desire to stay at home and relax. During these times, it can be difficult to find the motivation to do the things you need to do or even the things you want to do.

It is important to remember that these fluctuations in mood are normal and temporary. However, when your mood starts to significantly affect your daily activities and your relationships in various aspects of life such as social, educational, and vocational, it may indicate the presence of a mood disorder in Lewes.

What Is Mood Disorder?

Mood disorders are characterized by significant and disruptive changes in mood. There are different subtypes of mood disorders, but the three major states are depressive, manic, and bipolar. Major depressive disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or depressed mood. On the other hand, elevated moods are associated with mania or hypomania.

Bipolar mood disorders involve cycling between episodes of depression and mania. It is important to note that the intensity and severity of these disorders can vary. For instance, dysthymic disorder is a milder form of major depression, while cyclothymic disorder is considered a less severe form of bipolar disorder. In that case, you need serious assistance from a trusted psychiatrist in Dover.

Different Types of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders encompass depression and its subtypes, bipolar disorder and its subtypes, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

Depression

Depression, also known as major or clinical depression, is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by feelings of sadness or hopelessness, as well as difficulties with thinking, memory, eating, and sleeping. Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks for a clinical diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder that causes significant shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behavior. It involves hypomanic/manic and depressive episodes and has several types.

Additional Mood Disorders

There are several other mood disorders that are worth mentioning. One such disorder is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which typically occurs in the seven to 10 days leading, up to menstruation and subsides within a few days of the menstrual period. PMDD is considered a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is believed to be caused by hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PMDD may include anger, irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Another mood disorder to be aware of is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), which primarily affects children and adolescents. This disorder is characterized by frequent outbursts of anger and irritability that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. DMDD is more severe than intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and typically manifests before the age of 10.

Wrapping Up

The typical treatment approaches for these mood disorders involve a combination of antidepressant medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on developing coping strategies and modifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Studies have shown that a combination of medication and therapy yields the most effective results in treating mood disorders.

Author’s Bio:

The author is a clinical psychologist and Trusted Psychiatrist in Dover. His paper on Mood Disorders in Lewes is widely recognized and many doctors refer to it during therapy. Lewis also arranges various social campaigns to raise awareness of psychotherapy and mental health.