Mood disorders are a type of mental disorder that affects a person’s emotional state. People with mood disorders may experience periods of extreme happiness, sadness, or a mix of both.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders and affective disorders refer to the same thing. As the names imply, these mental health conditions affect moods. Everyone experiences moments of joy and sadness in life, but when you have a mood disorder, the emotions become overwhelming. The emotion may be so intense that you’re unable to enjoy life. Mood disorders can affect your work, relationships, social life, and physical health.

What are the common types of mood disorders?

The two most common types of mood disorders include:

• depression

• bipolar disorder

Depression

About 16 million children and adults in America have depression, making it one of the most common mental health problems. Close to 1 in 4 people experience a depressive symptom in a given month. Untreated depression can lead to substance abuse and suicide.

People experience depression differently, and there are different types:

• Major depression makes you feel sad or sluggish to the point that you lose interest in activities that once brought you joy. People with major depression feel this way almost every day for at least two weeks. If the symptoms last almost daily for two years, you have persistent depressive disorder.

• Postpartum depression develops during pregnancy or after childbirth. It affects up to 15% of women. A woman may cry often, have anxiety or guilt, and struggle to care for her baby.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD) causes extreme depression and irritability due to fluctuating hormonal levels leading up to menstruation. These sudden mood swings improve and go away after the period starts.

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects mood when seasons change. Most people with SAD experience symptoms like sadness, lack of energy, oversleeping, overeating, and trouble concentrating during the fall and winter when there’s less sunshine. Symptoms can persist for 4 to 5 months until a sunnier season rolls around. SAD affects about 5% of Americans and most, (3 in 4) are women. It’s more common among people who live in states that get less sunshine during the winter.

From the community: “I suffer from Bipolar Type 2 disorder, PTSD, and Seasonal Affective Disorder… I finally realize the depth of my issues and am seeking a support system. I have a psychiatrist…I'm currently in a severely ultra manic episode and I have an appointment soon. I'm thinking I need to get on lithium and a strong anti psychotic and a sleep aid. I have a bad history with anti depressants. They cause much dysfunction and worsen my depression and anger when I'm in a depressive episode… Now something bipolar-like is kicking my butt and I want to regain balance and control.” – Inspire member

Bipolar disorder

More than 3 million Americans have bipolar disorder. Someone with bipolar disorder fluctuates among moods and is at increased risk of suicide and substance use disorders. They experience periods of:

• mania, which causes feelings of euphoria, excessive energy, and unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities that can last up to three months or longer

• normal (regulated) moods

• depression, including irritability, sadness, hopelessness, and difficulty concentrating

People with bipolar disorder may also have episodes of psychosis. They may have hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there) or delusions (false beliefs about themselves or others).

From the community: “I'm also bipolar, though I tend to sit on the depressive side with more hypomania than full blown mania (which I rarely experience). What you are saying definitely sounds bipolar, though I'm no expert. I too deal with suicidal/self harm thoughts on a regular basis (4 -7 days a week when in a depressive state and 1-2 days a week when hypo/manic). I would definitely suggest talking to a psychiatrist about your symptoms -- especially if they are interfering with your daily life.” – Inspire member

What causes mood disorders?

A variety of factors can lead to the development of a mood disorder. There isn’t one cause.

Potential risk factors for mood disorders include:

• being female

• brain chemical imbalances or brain structure

• family history of mental illness (genetics)

• older age (for depression)

• serious health conditions like cancer and movement disorders

• stress or traumatic events, such as abuse, divorce, or death of a loved one

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who perform assessments to diagnose mental health disorders. They use the American Psychiatric Association’s disease criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to make a diagnosis. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicines to treat mood disorders and also offer therapy.

Psychologists are mental health specialists who provide counseling (therapy) to treat mood disorders. Psychologists aren’t doctors. They can’t make a diagnosis or prescribe medicine.

How is depression treated?

Treatments depend on the type of depressive disorder. They may include:

• antidepressant medications

• hormone therapy (for PDD)

• talk therapy (psychotherapy)

• light therapy (for SAD)

How is bipolar disorder treated?

There are four different types of bipolar disorder. Treatments include:

• medications like mood stabilizers (lithium), antipsychotics, and antidepressants 

• talk therapy (psychotherapy), including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy

What’s the prognosis for someone with a mood disorder?

Depending on the cause of depression, the condition may be temporary (what’s known as episodic) or chronic (lasting more than two years). For instance, people who have postpartum depression, PDD, or SAD experience episodic depression. Major depression is often chronic. 

Because it is a lifelong condition, bipolar disorder requires ongoing medication management and treatment. With proper care, people with bipolar disorder can work and enjoy their lives. Some people with bipolar disorder who take antipsychotic medicines develop a side effect called tardive dyskinesia. It causes uncontrollable facial or body movements with symptoms like rapid eye blinking, lip smacking, and grimacing. The condition affects 1 in 4 people who take antipsychotic medications.

It’s important to continue to get help for mood disorders to lower your risk of suicide and other problems. In addition to medications and therapy, you may benefit from participating in Mental Health America’s online support group on Inspire.

Sources

• About DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association.

• Mood disorders. Cleveland Clinic. July 2018.

• Postpartum depression. Cleveland Clinic. January 2018.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Cleveland Clinic. November 2020.

• Seasonal depression. Cleveland Clinic. December 2020.

• Mood disorders. Johns Hopkins Medicine.

• Bipolar disorder. Mental Health America.

• Depression. Mental Health America.

• Depression in women. Mental Health America.

• Mood disorders. Mental Health America.

• Overview of mood disorders. Merck Manual. March 2020.

• Bipolar disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness. August 2017.

• Psychotherapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

• Tardive dyskinesia. National Alliance on Mental Illness. March 2019.

• Seasonal affective disorder. National Institute on Mental Health.

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.