Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders services offered in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point, CA

Mood disorders include several mental health conditions that cause depression or swings between low and high moods. No matter what symptoms you experience, mood disorders won’t improve without treatment. For that, see the caring team at Mind Health Institute, Orange County. Their patient-focused care is personalized to target your challenges, restore balance, and stabilize your moods. Call the office in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, or Dana Point, California, or use online booking to request an appointment today.

Mood Disorders Q & A

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders include several conditions affecting your energy, emotions, and behaviors. You might feel depressed, hopeless, and lethargic or elated, hopeful, and energized.

Common mood disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD is a low mood lasting two weeks or longer and making you feel sad or hopeless nearly every day.

Postpartum depression (perinatal depression)

Postpartum depression is a type of MDD that begins during pregnancy or right after delivery.

Bipolar disorders

There are three types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I causes extreme mood swings between mania and MDD. If you have bipolar II disorder, you have episodes of MDD and hypomania (a less severe type of mania).

The third, cyclothymic disorder, causes mild depression and hypomania. Though your symptoms are less severe, cyclothymic disorder disrupts your life because you have frequent mood swings at least half the time for two years or longer.

What are the symptoms of mood disorders?

Despite being called major depressive disorder, MDD causes mild to severe symptoms, including:

Sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness
Low energy (lethargy) and fatigue
Isolation from family and friends
Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
Changes in eating habits (eating more or less)
Sleeping too much or too little
Suicidal thoughts

Symptoms caused by mania and hypomania include:

Feeling elated
Talking rapidly
Having nonstop energy
Having an inflated sense of self-importance
Experiencing racing thoughts
Engaging in risky behaviors (examples include drunken driving and overspending)

During manic episodes, most people get very little sleep, yet they’re constantly energized.

How are mood disorders treated?

As leaders in their field, the Mind Health Institute, Orange County team provides exceptional care for mood disorders.

Your provider learns about your symptoms and challenges. They then complete a psychological assessment. Finally, they work with you to create a tailored treatment plan based on your diagnosis and mental health needs.

Bipolar disorder requires medication management to stabilize your mood and prevent future mood swings. You might also need medication for depression, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Psychotherapy is an essential part of the treatment for most mood disorders. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help patients overcome their mood disorders and teach the practical skills needed to improve their daily lives.

Connect through online booking or call Mind Health Institute, Orange County, today to restore a stable mood and regain a thriving life.