Mood Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are mental health conditions characterized by significant disruptions in a person’s emotional state. These disorders can lead to extreme mood changes that interfere with daily functioning at home, in social settings, and at work. Over 20% of the population will be diagnosed with a mood disorder in their lifetime, highlighting their prevalence and impact.³

Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions, including depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder, are marked by persistent sadness, disengagement, and mood dysregulation, which can be debilitating. Grief related to a loss may resemble aspects of depression but is not classified as a mood disorder.

Bipolar disorders, while less common than depression, involve mood swings that range from profound depression to extravagant euphoria. Individuals with bipolar disorder may also experience irritability. Unlike normal mood variations, mood disorders have specific symptoms that are more intense and persistent. Proper diagnosis, support, and treatment protocols are essential for managing these conditions and improving prognosis.

Symptoms of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders have significant symptoms that vary based on the specific mood disorder, as well as a group of symptoms that are shared across all types of mood disorders. These include symptoms such as:

• emotional instability
• Thought pattern disturbances
• Sleep changes
• Appetite changes
• Shifts in energy levels

Types of Mood Disorders

There are many types of mood disorders that all share the same basic symptom of dysregulated mood. The group of bipolar and related disorders include bipolar I and II, cyclothymia, and hypomania. The depressive disorders include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and substance/medication-induced depressive disorder. Each of these has unique symptoms that allow for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most frequently diagnosed mood disorder and its twelve-month prevalence is around 7%. Women are up to three times more likely to have MDD.⁴ To be diagnosed with MDD you must exhibit at least five of its symptoms, experience clinically significant difficulties in daily functioning, and experience symptoms that are not attributed to a substance-induced or medicated state.

The symptoms most frequently associated with MDD include feelings of depression that last all day and a lack of pleasure in the activities or relationships that were once enjoyed. There may be too little sleep or too much sleep happening. A low level of self-esteem is often present as are feelings that others’ lives would be easier if they were no longer alive.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a unique mood disorder resulting in wild mood swings that involve a manic phase and may include a major depressive phase. A manic phase is marked by an elevated, expansive or irritable mood that usually includes a marked change in activity. These activities might be potentially high risk behaviors, including bullying, sexual indiscretion, or poor business decisions.⁴

Bipolar II Disorder

Some individuals experience only hypomanic episodes. During these episodes, behaviors and feelings resemble a manic episode, but they are less severe and do not interfere with daily functioning. When an individual experiences hypomanic episodes and a major depressive episode, but no manic episodes, the diagnosis is Bipolar II Disorder.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Dysthymia has recently been termed Persistent Depressive Disorder and it describes a set of symptoms that must be present for at least two years for adults or one year for children and adolescents. The primary symptom is a depressed mood, but other symptoms include appetite/eating issues, sleeping disturbances, lack of energy, poor self-esteem, inability to concentrate, and feelings of hopelessness.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

This mood disorder is diagnosed in females who are of reproductive age and are menstruating.⁴ Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is diagnosed by the presence of five symptoms during the final week before menstruation begins and which improve shortly after menstruation begins, and dissipate at the end of the menstrual period. Mood swings, irritability, depressed mood, and anxiety or tension are frequent symptoms.

Substance/Medication-Induced Disorder

This disorder is marked by feelings of depression and loss of pleasure in life. Symptoms occur shortly after an individual has become intoxicated or after withdrawing from the substance or the introduction of a medication and its removal.⁴ The symptoms must cause disturbance in social interaction, occupational responsibilities, or other significant areas of functioning.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder has been described as a disorder of severe irritability that begins in children before they are 10. The most notable features, or manifestations, of this disorder include frequent outbursts of temper and a chronically irritable or angry mood. Children may express their anger or irritability through verbal or behavioral methods  As these children develop over time, as adults they are likely to develop depression or anxiety.⁴

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder typically begins in adolescence and can be a forerunner of bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder. To diagnose this disorder, two symptoms must have been present for at least two years: multiple periods during which hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms have been present that do not meet the criteria for a hypomanic episode or major depressive episode.⁴

Causes & Risk Factors

There are a variety of factors that may cause mood disorders to develop as well as risk factors that raise the likelihood of developing one. When multiple risk factors are present, there is an increased chance that a mood disorder will develop. Being aware of the risk factors may help a person recognize the signs sooner and seek early treatment.

Some factors that increase the risk of developing a mood disorder include:

• Genetics: Having a parent or close relative who has been diagnosed with a mood disorder increases the chances that a person will develop one. Genetics are more likely the cause of a bipolar disorder than a major depressive episode.
• Environmental factors: These are often factors that are hard to control. They include trauma victimization, substance abuse, and chronic physical illness. Even natural disasters and working conditions can contribute.
• Biological factors: The biological factors that contribute to the development of a mood disorder include an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain. Specific medication can support healthy functioning of neurotransmitters.

Mood Disorder Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose the presence of a mood disorder, it is essential that a person consults with a professional. While most of us know what “feeling sad” means, only professionals are in a position to ask the appropriate questions, gather the necessary data, and determine whether a person’s symptoms meet the threshold for a diagnosis.

Counselors or therapists and physicians may be involved in your diagnosis and treatment. Information that you will need to provide include a history of your mood episodes, how long they last when they begin, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and information on the circumstances surrounding their onset. The process may involve clinical evaluations, psychiatric assessments, and sometimes physical exams to rule out other conditions.

Can You Grow Out of Mood Disorders?

Unlike the case in some mental disorders, research shows that children and adolescents are able to grow out of bipolar disorders.⁶ This is a result of brain development that takes place around age 25. The development of the prefrontal cortex may be the reason for this phenomenon. In cases of PMDD, it may end after menopause. However, other depressive disorders may appear well into older adulthood.

Are Mood Disorders Hereditary?

Mood disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. Research shows that one of the most accurate predictors of bipolar disorder occurrence is a family history of bipolar disorders.⁴ Having a close relative with either bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder can increase the risk for mood disorders to be diagnosed. However, other factors, including environment and temperament, also play a role.

Treatment Options for Mood Disorders

Just as there are multiple forms of mood disorders, there are multiple treatments from which a professional can choose to best suit the needs of each individual. In addition to individual talk therapy, clinicians may incorporate group therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications as key components of a comprehensive treatment plan. Following treatment protocol is essential for improvement.

Psychotherapy Techniques

For many of the mood disorders, including major depressive disorder, psychotherapy is often used as the least invasive treatment.⁷ The use of psychotherapy has been empirically supported for multiple forms of depression including among adolescents. For bipolar disorders, psychotherapy is more of an adjunctive treatment as these disorders are genetically and neurobiologically based.

Common types of therapies used to treat mood disorders include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can be effective in helping a person reframe their negative perspectives and change their thinking to reflect a more positive outlook and engage in behaviors that are more in line with their new perspective.
• Cognitive therapy: Similar to CBT, cognitive therapy is focused on the connection between thoughts and emotions. Cognitive therapy is used to help clients interrupt their automatic negative thoughts.
• Interpersonal therapy: Interpersonal therapy was originally designed to treat major depression and focuses on helping clients develop more effective and satisfying relationships with others.
• Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy is insight oriented and encourages the client to explore the psychodynamic aspects of their relationships with others as well as to explore their inner worlds.
• Family-focused therapy (FFT): This treatment can be used with children as well as adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Family-focused therapy involves family members or caregivers, as well, and explores communication, problem-solving, and understanding bipolar disorders.⁸
•  Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT treatment focuses on helping a person get their bodies on a regular schedule, including sleep hygiene and regular meal times. Consistency and routines are beneficial in helping manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
• Group therapy and psychoeducation: Group therapy offers unique benefits that include normalizing the experiences of individuals with mood disorders and allowing them to recognize that there are others who struggle with the illness. Learning tips for symptom management from members is another important benefit. 

Medication Management

In some cases, mood disorders are best addressed with medication. Medication can be extremely important in managing mood disorder symptoms, but this also requires close monitoring by a healthcare provider. Some clients may need to try different medications before their physician finds the one that works best.

Common medications used to treat mood disorders include:

• Antidepressants: There are many antidepressants available today and they are all designed to minimize symptoms of depression. Some antidepressant medications both treat depression and minimize symptoms of anxiety. They can help balance out a person’s emotions. They are often less helpful treating depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• Antipsychotics:  The newer families of antipsychotics can be used to treat manic episodes and in some cases bipolar depression. Antipsychotic drugs are often used to minimize symptoms such as problematic thinking, delusions, and hallucinations which can sometimes be present in both manic and depressive episodes.
• Mood stabilizers: These drugs are prescribed for individuals with bipolar disorder and the purpose of mood stabilizers is to diminish manic and hypomanic episodes.
• Anxiolytic medications: Also called anti-anxiety medications, they are designed to lower anxiety and can be used to treat social anxiety, panic disorder, and other anxiety-related illnesses.

Lifestyle Modifications

There are many modifications people can make to their lifestyle and daily routines that can make life easier for those living with bipolar. Recognizing that each person’s experience is unique, a variety of tips are presented that can be applied to your life.

Some lifestyle modifications to help cope with mood disorders include:

• Develop a sleep schedule: Both the body and brain need rest, and sleep hygiene may be effective in helping improve mood.
• Daily exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in improving mood, so add a daily walk, at the least, to your routine.
• Adopt a regular schedule for meals: A consistent routine acts as a reminder to keep moving during the day and helps balance out your body’s schedule.
• Increase intake of fresh vegetables and fruits: These fresh foods can offer protection against anxiety and depression due to the nutrients they pack.
• Integrate mindfulness into your life: Mindfulness and breathwork are able to calm the body through lowering the blood pressure, decreasing cortisol levels, and lowering the heart rate.
• Spend time outside every day: Exposure to green space and nature is also effective in positively influencing our overall well-being. It decreases health risks as it boosts our moods.
• Abstain from alcohol: This is especially true if you are on medication, but trying to self-medicate mood disorders with alcohol is counterproductive. Alcohol is a depressant and it also interrupts sleep.
• Keep a journal/mood diary: A journaling practice encourages you to write about what’s going on inside as well as provides a tracking system so that you can determine if there are certain events, people, situations that trigger manic or depressive episodes.

Where to Find Professional Help for Mood Disorders

If you are experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder and these symptoms are interfering with your normal functioning, it can be helpful to consult with a professional. Finding an appropriate therapist can be accomplished through a variety of ways. Asking close friends or family members if they know someone they can recommend is one way to find a therapist; asking your medical doctor for a referral is also recommended.

It is important to locate  a therapist, psychologist, or counselor who is specially trained in helping people with mood disorders. In addition to asking for referrals from people you know, you can find therapists who specialize in mood disorders through online therapist directories. You may choose a therapist who meets clients face-to-face or via teletherapy. Find out about their training, their fee structure, which insurance they accept, and their theoretical orientation in order to make the best choice.

For some people, using a mental health app like Sanvello can be effective in helping manage symptoms as an adjunctive practice to therapy or medication. Apps require self-motivation and a commitment to consistent use.