Mood Disorder Treatment & Symptoms

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What is a Mood Disorder?

An individual may be diagnosed with a mood disorder if they experience persistent mood swings, low mood (depression) or elevated mood (mania) for an extended period of time.

Mood disorders are psychological conditions characterized by serious changes in one’s moods. Most people have feelings of sadness or happiness from time to time. Individuals with mood disorders experience persistently low (depressed) or persistently high (manic) moods — above and beyond what most would consider to be typical feelings of sadness or happiness.

Mood disorders include:

  • Major depressive disorder — extremely low moods
  • Bipolar disorder — extremely high (manic, euphoric or hyperactive) and low moods
  • Persistent depressive disorder — depression that lasts more than three years
  • Cyclothymia — a less severe form of bipolar disorder that may include hypomania and episodes of moderate depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder — depression that occurs only during the winter, when there is less sunlight

Mood disorders can occur along with substance use, anxiety disorders, eating disorders or personality disorders.

Nearly one in ten adults in the U.S.. will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime and mood disorders have a strong genetic link. This means that you are more likely to develop a mood disorder if one of your close relatives also has a mood disorder.

Types of Mood Disorders

We review common mood disorders below. Know that mood disorder symptoms can be caused by certain medications, substances of abuse and medical conditions.

trauma couple

Major Depressive Disorder

People with major depressive disorder experience symptoms of depression (sadness, emptiness, irritability) along with possible changes in appetite, energy, sleep or weight. These depression symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or longer. Depression symptoms often last much longer than two weeks and can be helped by mood disorder treatment. If you think you are depressed due to feelings of grief or bereavement, you may not actually have major depressive disorder. However, when a person has major depressive disorder and is experiencing intense grief, their symptoms can be even more distressing.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is characterized by chronic irritability and recurring temper tantrums or outbursts that are above and beyond what is appropriate for the situation. Outbursts are not age or developmentally appropriate and occur three or more times per week. People with DMDD are often irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day. This condition primarily affects children and adolescents aged 6-18.

Bipolar I Disorder

In order to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, an individual must have had at least one manic episode. A manic episode includes an abnormal, persistent, elevated or irritable mood that lasts at least one week. Symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, and include some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Inappropriately high self-esteem
  • Grandiosity
  • A decreased need for sleep
  • Talking more than usual or pressured speech
  • Racing thoughts
  • Increased activity level

Some people may exhibit more irritability and anger during a manic episode. They may drive more recklessly, go on big shopping sprees, or act out sexually. Depression may follow the manic episode. People with untreated bipolar I disorder may need to be hospitalized for safety reasons. It is common for people in a manic episode to insist that they are fine and that they do not need treatment.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by having:

  • At least one hypomanic episode that lasts at least 4 days
  • At least one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks (see symptoms for major depression on this page).

A hypomanic episode includes an elevated or irritable mood along with an increased activity level or energy level that lasts most of the day, nearly every day for at least 4 consecutive days. Symptoms can include very high self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and risk-taking behaviors. While others may notice these behavior changes, a hypomanic episode is typically not severe enough to cause major problems at home or at work and hospitalization is usually not necessary. Instead, people with bipolar II disorder tend to struggle more during a depressive episode than they do during a hypomanic episode. Therefore, bipolar II disorder is not a “milder” form of bipolar I disorder because it can also lead to serious problems. Note that if someone has had at least one manic episode, they would be diagnosed with bipolar I, not bipolar II.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by having:

  • At least one hypomanic episode that lasts at least 4 days
  • At least one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks (see symptoms for major depression on this page).

A hypomanic episode includes an elevated or irritable mood along with an increased activity level or energy level that lasts most of the day, nearly every day for at least 4 consecutive days. Symptoms can include very high self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and risk-taking behaviors. While others may notice these behavior changes, a hypomanic episode is typically not severe enough to cause major problems at home or at work and hospitalization is usually not necessary. Instead, people with bipolar II disorder tend to struggle more during a depressive episode than they do during a hypomanic episode. Therefore, bipolar II disorder is not a “milder” form of bipolar I disorder because it can also lead to serious problems. Note that if someone has had at least one manic episode, they would be diagnosed with bipolar I, not bipolar II.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

For a diagnosis of dysthymia, an individual must have experienced a depressed mood, most of the day, most days, for at least two years. People with dysthymia may also experience changes in the following areas:

These challenging symptoms negatively impact one’s home and work life and personal relationships.

  • Appetite, eating or weight
  • Sleep
  • Energy
  • Self-esteem
  • Concentrating and making decisions

These challenging symptoms negatively impact one’s home and work life and personal relationships.

Causes of Mood Disorders

Like many mental health conditions, there is no single cause of mood disorders. But experts recognize that the following factors may increase one’s risk of having a mood disorder:

  • Having a close family member who has a mood disorder, including depression or bipolar disorder
  • Genetics or brain structure
  • Experiencing high stress or trauma
  • Substance use
  • Experiencing poverty, child abuse (childhood trauma) or other adverse childhood experiences [1]
mood anxiety support group

Signs of a Mood Disorder

Signs of a mood disorder include serious changes in one’s moods (extremely low or extremely high).

Individuals experiencing depression may notice the following signs:

  • Changes in one’s energy levels, appetite, emotions, or sleep (for instance, eating or sleeping more or less than usual)
  • Feelings of indifference, worthlessness or irritability
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Loss of pleasure in things they used to enjoy

Depression can sneak up on people and it could take months or even years before the individual recognizes the problem.

Individuals experiencing mania may notice the following signs:

  • An increase in energy and confidence; feeling grandiose or important in some way
  • A decreased need for sleep without feeling more tired
  • Racing thoughts, ideas or speech
  • Feelings of irritability or feeling aggressive
  • Impulsivity or reckless tendencies

Mood disorders are associated with a number of health risks, including chronic medical conditions, an increased risk of hospitalization (particularly in younger adults) and an increased risk of suicide.

Mood Disorder Symptoms

Mood disorders are psychological conditions characterized by mood changes. In particular, individuals with mood disorders have extremely elevated (high) mood or depressed (low) mood — or both.

Mood disorders — including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder, cyclothymia, and seasonal affective disorder — are complex illnesses, but effective treatment is available.

Mood disorders have a genetic link. You may be more likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder if a close relative also has a mood disorder.

Mood disorder "lows" may include the following symptoms

  • Sadness or crying more than usual
  • Lack of interest in things one used to enjoy
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Social withdrawal
  • Having trouble concentrating or feeling indecisive
  • Irritability, anger, anxiety, pessimism or even indifference
  • Changes in energy, sleep, weight or appetite (sleeping or eating more or less than normal)
  • Persistent thoughts of death or suicide

Mood disorder "highs" may include the following symptoms

  • Having much more energy than usual
  • Having racing thoughts or talking faster than normal
  • Needing less sleep but not feeling more tired
  • Feeling grandiose, important, highly confident, or “special” in some way
  • Feeling impulsive, irritable, aggressive or reckless
  • Having poor judgment
  • In severe cases, having delusions or hallucinations

Health Risks of Mood Disorders

Individuals with serious mental illnesses, like mood disorders, face an increased risk of chronic health problems, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • ​Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Arteriosclerosis

Adults living with serious, untreated mental illnesses die, on average, 25 years earlier. They are also more likely to be hospitalized. Untreated, individuals with mood disorders face a high risk of suicide mortality.

mood anxiety support group

Treatment for Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, are a leading cause of hospitalization of adults age 18-44. When these illnesses are not treated, they often get worse — with a risk of serious complications, physical harm, or death.

The good news is that help is available and that a number of therapies are effective for mood disorders. With a combination of psychotherapy, medication and complementary supports, you can recover from a mood disorder — no matter how complex your illness is or how challenging your life has become.

At Pathlight, our specially-trained professionals can help you find balance and healing from whatever issues you are dealing with. In treatment, we support your work in recovery as you learn about your moods, connect with your values, and build, maintain, and improve relationships in your life.

Get matched with the exact support you need.

With one conversation, our mental health professionals will help you better understand what you’re going through and what you need.

We will meet you where you are, listen to your story in a therapeutic setting, and match you with the level of support that meets your struggle.

Get Help for Mood Disorders

You may be familiar with what depression is, and you may even be familiar with bipolar disorder. But many people are less familiar with the term “mood disorder.” A mood disorder is a psychological condition characterized by serious changes in one’s moods — typically persistently low (depressed) or persistently high (manic). These moods are above and beyond what most would consider to be typical feelings of sadness or happiness.

The most common mood disorders include:

  • Major depressive disorder — extremely low moods
  • Bipolar disorder — extremely high (manic, euphoric or hyperactive) and low moods
  • Persistent depressive disorder — depression that lasts more than three years
  • Cyclothymia — a less severe form of bipolar disorder that may include hypomania and episodes of moderate depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder — depression that occurs only during the winter, when there is less sunlight

If you are seeking a residential or partial hospitalization program for a mood disorder, life has probably become overwhelming. We want you to know that you are not alone in this! Our doctors and therapists will guide you through recovery, teach you helpful tools, and offer you new ways to manage your thoughts, emotions, behavioral, and physical reactions to life’s challenges.

Learn about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression.

Treatment for Depression & Bipolar Disorders

As you compare your options of where to seek treatment for a mood disorder, we encourage you to consider a number of factors. One of the most important factors that you should consider is each treatment team’s professional experience and expertise. This list below shows the depth and breadth of the training and backgrounds of the clinical staff that work here at Pathlight:

  • Our doctors and therapists are highly educated and credentialed. Pathlight Behavioral Health Centers employs many MDs and PhDs/PsyDs with extensive training in mood disorders.
  • The staff at Pathlight value and pursue ongoing education and training on the latest, most effective treatments that help patients overcome mood disorders, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), and Behavioral Activation.
  • Our clinicians are trained in multi-cultural competency and are experienced in working with patients of all genders and from diverse backgrounds.
  • We are familiar with treating a range of severity, a range of diagnoses, and a range of different life experiences.
  • Our experts know how to support someone through common feelings related to mood disorders such as pervasive loneliness, overwhelm, loss, anger, hopelessness, and helplessness.

Should you choose to seek treatment at Pathlight, we will tailor your mood disorder treatment based on your needs and priorities. We do this through the use of individual and group therapy. During your one-on-one meetings with your therapist you will be able to map out your treatment goals and, in groups, you can explore how to get there. We use the power of knowledge to help you break the maladaptive patterns in your life, teach you how to manage your moods, and help you move toward a more fulfilling life.

Therapy for Mood Disorders

Specific therapies are known to help people with mood disorders, and we are proud that all of our clinicians either specialize in — or have extensive training in — the following mood disorder treatments:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) including Behavioral Activation & Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

These therapies have been found to be the most effective, evidence-based treatments for mood disorders.

In addition, our on-site psychiatrists provide regular medication management for all of the patients in our Residential and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).

During your time at Pathlight, a primary goal will be to help you learn how to regulate your emotions safely and effectively. To support our patients in these explorations, our therapists will work with you to address the wellness of your mind, body and spirit with experiential therapies (movement, art, and yoga).

Each week, your individual therapist will work closely with you to make sure that you are making progress in treatment. We customize treatment to each individual and do our best to ensure that each patient receives specialized therapy in their work with us.

Finding Balance in Mood Disorder Treatment

One of the challenges of mood disorder treatment is that every patient has a different story and will respond differently to medications and talk therapy. Over the first month of treatment, you will become familiar with our evidence-based therapies and can start using your new skills on a regular basis.

You may find it promising to know that most of our patients experience symptom reduction within the first 11 days.

As far as treatment effectiveness, we’ve queried patients over the years and found that our patients experience statistically significant decreases in these areas following treatment:

Our patients also experience statistically significant increases in the areas of:

  • Accomplishment
  • Positive emotions
  • Relationship quality
  • Meaning

We invite you to review our past patients’ experiences to see what they say about treatment at Pathlight:

  • 84 percent of patients who complete our partial hospitalization program report feeling satisfied with their treatment.
  • 89 percent of patients who complete our intensive outpatient program report feeling satisfied with treatment.
  • 86 percent of patients completing PHP and 90 percent of patients completing IOP say that they would refer a friend or family member to our treatment center.

It may be difficult to see the success that lies in your future, but we are trained to help you take the steps — no matter how big or how small — to move towards your goals, even when you are struggling. We will support you, offer our encouragement and celebrate your successes each day in treatment.

Mood Disorder Facts and Statistics

  • Mood disorders are known to affect nearly one in ten adults in the U.S.[2]
  • Mood disorders can increase one’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases, making it critical to get treatment for a mood disorder before one’s health gets worse.[2]
  • 2.8% of adults in the U.S. had bipolar disorder in the past year.[3]
  • Females (2.8%) and males (2.9%) experience bipolar disorder in similar numbers each year.[3]
  • Around 4.4% of adults in the U.S. will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime.[3]
  • 2.9% of adolescents will experience bipolar disorder, a similar rate as adults.[3]
  • In adolescents, more females (3.3%) experience bipolar disorder than males (2.6%).[3]
  • 8.4% of adults in the U.S. (21 million people) have had at least one episode of major depression.[4]
  • More females (10.5%) than males (6.2%) experience major depression.[4]
  • Major depression most commonly affects adults aged 18-25.[4]
  • Data from 2020 shows that 6% of all adults in the U.S. (14.8 million people) experienced major depression in the past year.[4]
  • 17% of adolescents aged 12-17 (4.1 million people) experienced major depression in 2020 with females (25.2%) being more likely than males (9.2%) to have depression.[4]

Mood Disorder FAQs

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition featuring intense or distressing changes in mood. Mood disorders typically include depression (long-term feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness), mania (feeling overly happy or energetic for an extended period of time) or both depression and mania.

What are the mood disorders?

Mood disorders are characterized by persistent mood swings, low moods (depression), or elevated moods (mania) over an extended period of time. Examples of mood disorders include:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Dysthymia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Persistent depressive disorder
  • Cyclothymia
  • Seasonal affective disorder

How do I know if I have a mood disorder?

You may have a mood disorder if you experience frequent mood swings, low moods (depression), or high moods (mania). Signs to watch for include:

  • Changes in energy, appetite, or sleep
  • Feeling indifferent, worthless, or irritable
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Loss of pleasure
  • Impulsivity or recklessness

What happens if a mood disorder goes untreated?

Mood disorders can be serious and even fatal and are a leading cause of hospitalization. Without treatment, they tend to get worse. The risk of health problems is also increased when a mood disorder is untreated. This includes:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Early death

Is a mood disorder a serious mental illness?

Mood disorders are incredibly serious mental health conditions and can be fatal without treatment. Mood disorders are a leading cause of hospitalization. Without treatment, they tend to get worse and one’s suicide risk increases.

What is the difference between mood disorder and bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder where people alternate between periods of depression and mania. Overall, mood disorders include extended periods of persistent mood swings, low moods (depression), or elevated moods (mania). Mood disorders cause a great deal of distress and problems at work, home and school.

Can mood disorders be cured?

Therapy and medications help many people overcome the challenges of mood disorders. Without treatment, mood disorders can increase your risk of being hospitalized, attempting suicide, or having serious, chronic health problems. Collaborative treatment from medical and mental health professionals offers individuals with mood disorders the best chance for recovery.

Do mood disorders affect teens or adults more?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mood disorders are most commonly found in young adults age 18-29. Below, we share the percentage of people who had a mood disorder in the last year by age:

  • 18-29: 12.9%
  • 30-44: 11.9 %
  • 45-59: 9.4%
  • 60+: 3.6%

How common are mood disorders in adolescents?

Mood disorders are common in adolescents. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows the percentage of adolescents who have ever had a mood disorder. We share this data, by age group, below:

  • Age 13-14: 10.5%
  • Age 15-16: 15.5%
  • Age 17-18: 18.1%

References

[1] Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Bipolar Disorder. Accessed December 2, 2022.
[2] MedlinePlus: Mood Disorders. Accessed December 2, 2022.
[3] National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder. Accessed December 2, 2022.
[4] National Institute of Mental Health: Major Depression. Accessed December 2, 2022.