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What are mood disorders?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that causes an emotional imbalance in adults and children. The condition causes extended periods of sadness or elation and ongoing episodes of anger or irritability.
Common types of mood disorders include:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Brighter Life Psychiatry provides compassionate care for adults and children with a mood disorder. Crystal offers psychiatric evaluations to diagnose the type of disorder you have and customizes a care plan to manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of mood disorders?
A mood disorder causes symptoms that affect individuals differently depending on their personality, brain chemistry, and environment.
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Brighter Life Psychiatry if you or your child experience symptoms that relate to a mood disorder, such as:
- Persistent sadness
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Very low or very high energy levels
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in your usual activities
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulties concentrating or making decisions
Crystal evaluates your symptoms and may request bloodwork to confirm or rule out a vitamin deficiency or medical conditions like thyroid disease. She also assesses how your mood disorder symptoms affect your quality of life.
How are mood disorders treated?
Brighter Life Psychiatry provides customized treatment plans for mood disorders. Crystal typically uses a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy. Sessions give you a safe space to express your thoughts and emotions, so you can recognize negative patterns. You also have access to tools that help you cope with the challenges a mood disorder may cause.
Medications
Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other medications are available by prescription when therapy isn’t enough. The drugs work on the chemicals in your brain to regulate your moods and prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Crystal continues to evaluate your progress with treatment during follow-up visits. She can determine how often you should schedule therapy sessions based on the severity of your symptoms and response to treatment.
Call Brighter Life Psychiatry today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of mood disorders or book an appointment online.