A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. The two main types of mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression involves long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. People with depression may have trouble carrying out daily activities and may have thoughts of death or suicide. There are several types of depressive disorders:
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between episodes of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). The manic phase may involve increased energy, impulsiveness, and risky behavior.
What causes mood disorders? There are often multiple contributing factors, including:
Effective mood disorder treatments may include:
With proper diagnosis and adherence to treatment, many people with mood disorders can achieve significant symptom relief and improved wellbeing. Don't lose hope!