Mood Disorders
Understanding and Navigating Mood Disorders
Mood Disorders Treatment for Professionals
Virtual IOP mental health Therapy can significantly reduce mood disorder symptoms and provide valuable tools and coping strategies for managing the conditions. Fill out the short form below, or give us a call, to learn how we support people with mood disorders.
How is Mood Disorders
Diagnosed?
Mood disorders are diagnosed by mental health professionals using clinical assessments, which include questionnaires, interviews, and a review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and symptom duration. Diagnostic criteria are found in manuals like the DSM-5.
How Does Thrive Treat Mood Disorders?
Adults with mood disorders experience a renewed sense of connection during treatment at Thrive. With a personalized approach that includes individual, group, and family sessions multiple times a week, we address mood disorder treatment comprehensively.
Group sessions are particularly beneficial, helping adult clients recognize they are not alone in their struggles. Our clinicians and Care Team assist clients in identifying underlying issues and triggers, facilitating their journey from struggling to thriving. This marks the beginning of true healing.
What are the best therapy options for Mood Disorders?
01
Cognitive behavioral therapyĀ (CBT) helps treat mood disorders by addressing negative thinking and behaviors that contribute to these conditions. In CBT, people work with a trained therapist to identify distorted or irrational thought patterns underlying their mood disorder and replace them with more rational ones, leading to improved well-being. CBT also teaches people coping strategies and behavioral changes that promote healthier emotional responses. Over time, this process can reduce mood disorder symptoms.Ā
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Psychodynamic therapy explores the underlying factors contributing to a personās mood disorder, often connected to early life experiences. By raising these unconscious factors to conscious awareness, people can work through unresolved issues and gain a better understanding of their emotions, which can improve mood disorder symptoms. Psychodynamic therapy also helps people with mood disorders develop healthier coping mechanisms and more adaptive ways of relating to others.
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Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) integrates traditional CBT techniques with mindfulness practices to help people with mood disorders manage their reactions to negative thoughts and emotions. It also teaches meditation and deep breathing as emotion-regulation tactics, which can be particularly helpful in the treatment of mood disorders. Mindfulness-based CBT empowers those with mood disorders to accept their experiences and develop healthier responses to the symptoms of their condition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mood Disorders
- Bipolar disorder:Ā involves cycling between depression and mania or hypomania
- Cyclothymic disorder:Ā a milder form of bipolar disorder with less extreme mood swings
- Major depressive disorder:Ā characterized by persistent, severe sadness and hopelessness
- Persistent depressive disorder (formerly dysthymia):Ā marked by chronic, low-level depression
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder:Ā a condition in children and adolescents with severe temper outbursts and chronic irritability
- Prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability (in depressive disorders)
- Alternating between extreme energy and deep lows (in bipolar disorders)
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and decision-making
- Aches and pains and often interfere with daily activities and relationships
- Ā
Not usually, as mood disorders typically donāt improve without treatment. While the severity and duration of symptoms may vary over time, many people continue to experience recurring episodes or chronic symptoms if left untreated. However, with appropriate treatment from a mental health professional, many people can effectively manage their mood disorders, experience long periods of remission, and lead fulfilling lives.
Mood disorders are a relatively common mental health condition. Major depressive disorder, in particular, is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, affecting over 17 million people nationally (or 7% of the United States population). Bipolar disorder is less common, affecting about 2.8% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives.
- Genetic factors:Ā A family history of mood disorders can increase the risk of developing one.
- Brain chemistry:Ā Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood, can contribute to mood disorders. For instance, low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.
- Environmental factors:Ā Stressful life events, trauma, and chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate mood disorders. Early life experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect, can also contribute.
- Medical conditions:Ā Some medical conditions, like chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders, can lead to mood disturbances.
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