Mood Disorders – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders affect how people feel emotionally and can seriously impact daily life. These conditions fall into two main groups: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.
Each type has its own symptoms and treatment approaches.
Depressive Disorders cause feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. People with these conditions often feel tired, have trouble sleeping, and find it hard to focus.
Common types include:
- Major Depression: Lasts at least two weeks, often longer than a month.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: Occurs during specific seasons, usually when daylight hours decrease.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder: Long-term depression causing ongoing sadness and hopelessness.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: Affects children and teens with severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Severe mood changes before menstrual periods that improve when periods begin.
Some depression can also happen because of:
- Medical conditions
- Drug or medication use or withdrawal
Bipolar Disorders involve mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These changes can happen suddenly or gradually and sometimes mix together.
During high periods, people may:
| Symptoms of Manic Episodes | Symptoms of Depressive Episodes |
|---|---|
| Excessive energy | Feeling sad or empty |
| Reduced need for sleep | Sleeping too much or too little |
| Racing thoughts | Trouble concentrating |
| Risky behaviors | Loss of interest in activities |
| Talking very fast | Feelings of worthlessness |
The main types of bipolar disorders are:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Features full manic episodes lasting at least one week that significantly affect functioning.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Has less severe “hypomanic” episodes lasting four to seven days, with noticeable mood changes.
- Cyclothymia: Involves milder mood swings between highs and lows that still impact daily life.
Like depression, bipolar symptoms can sometimes be caused by medical conditions (like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or brain injuries) or by substances like alcohol, drugs, or certain medications.
Mood disorders affect more women than men overall. These conditions can increase suicide risk, especially when severe or combined with substance use.
Treatment for mood disorders often includes therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. With proper care, many people with mood disorders can manage their symptoms and live full lives.
Signs of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders show different symptoms based on their type. People with these conditions may feel strong emotions that affect daily life.
Depressive Disorder Symptoms
People with depressive disorders often experience:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Reduced energy and motivation
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Thoughts about death or suicide
These symptoms typically last for weeks or longer and interfere with normal functioning.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar disorders involve mood swings between:
During high periods (mania or hypomania):
- Feeling extremely confident or invincible
- Fast, jumping thoughts
- Increased activity and energy
- Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired
- Making risky or impulsive decisions
- Easily distracted attention
During low periods:
- Same symptoms as depressive disorders
The intensity and duration of these episodes vary from person to person.
When to Get Help
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if:
- Your emotions interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
- You avoid social gatherings or stop enjoying things
- You use alcohol or drugs to manage your feelings
- You think about harming yourself
Don’t wait for symptoms to improve on their own. Mood disorders rarely get better without treatment and may worsen over time.
If you have thoughts of suicide, seek emergency help immediately by calling emergency services or a crisis helpline. You can also text or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Remember that getting help shows strength, not weakness. Effective treatments exist for all types of mood disorders.
Causes
Mood disorders often stem from a mix of genetic traits and outside factors. People may inherit certain traits that increase their risk. Life events, especially stressful ones, can trigger these conditions.
Childhood experiences can also play a role in how mood disorders develop.
Some medications can cause mood changes, including:
- Corticosteroids
- Parkinson’s disease treatments
- Street drugs
Your environment and life experiences interact with your genetic makeup, potentially leading to mood disorders when certain factors align.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing mood disorders:
Life Experiences and Stressful Events
- Major life changes (e.g., job loss, divorce) can increase your risk.
- Traumatic experiences and chronic stress also play a role.
Neurological Connections
People with certain brain and nervous system conditions face higher risks of mood disorders, particularly depression. These include:
| Condition | Association with Mood Disorders |
|---|---|
| Multiple sclerosis | Common comorbidity |
| Dementia | Frequently co-occurs |
| Traumatic brain injury | Increases depression risk |
| Stroke | Often leads to post-stroke depression |
| Epilepsy | Higher rates of mood disorders |
Meanwhile, movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and other long-term health conditions also significantly raise the likelihood of developing depression.
