Mood Disorders

The primary mood disorder treatments are psychotherapy and medication. Emily Russ, PA-C, at Prevail Behavioral Health in Appleton, Wisconsin, excels at selecting the right combination of therapy and antidepressants to help you manage your condition and, where possible, recover completely. Call Prevail Behavioral Health to learn more about mood disorder management or schedule a consultation online today.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are a collection of mental health conditions linked by depression.

Depression negatively affects your emotions, so you’re persistently sad, in despair, and weighed down by hopelessness. Clinical depression isn’t just a slump you can shake off like you would a bad day or upsetting experience. It’s a severe disorder that can be torturous to endure.

Some mood disorders are curable, while others are lifelong conditions requiring continual treatment and support. If you develop a mood disorder, Prevail Behavioral Health offers the compassionate treatment you need.

What mood disorders might affect me?

Common mood disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD is the most widespread mood disorder. Severe MDD makes it impossible to work or study, disrupts relationships, and may lead to suicidal thoughts. At its most severe, you might develop catatonic symptoms where you simply sit motionless for hours.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a long-term form of depression that persists for over two years and often far longer. People with dysthymia generally manage daily life but are prone to sliding into more severe bouts of depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

SAD affects people in the winter when light levels are lowest.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Women with PMDD suffer from mood swings that match the hormonal changes they experience during their menstrual cycle.

Bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder cycle back and forth from depression to mania (hyperactivity and elated feelings). Depression bouts may persist for many months, then suddenly, your state of mind shifts to mania that lasts for days or sometimes weeks before depression takes over again.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a less extreme form of bipolar disorder that causes more regular mood swings and hypomania, a milder type of mania.

What treatments do mood disorders require?

Psychotherapy provides a safe, supportive environment where you can discuss your feelings and thoughts.

Some techniques help you identify and deal with past traumas that could influence your current state of mind. Others help you improve your self-esteem and confidence. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change negative thoughts so you can cope better day-to-day.

Antidepressant medications restore healthy brain function by increasing the mood center’s neurotransmitter (brain chemical) levels. Some mood disorders require specialized treatment, for example, full-spectrum light therapy for SAD and hormone therapy for PMDD.

Call Prevail Behavioral Health for help with your mood disorder or schedule a consultation online today.