Mood disorder

What is a mood disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's persistent emotional state. Mood disorders can dramatically impact one's quality of life, relationships, and ability to function. The two main categories are depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.

Depressive disorders involve feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. This includes:

• Major depressive disorder: Severe, persistent depression lasting at least 2 weeks. Commonly involves suicidal ideation.


• Persistent depressive disorder: A depressed mood lasting at least 2 years with less severe symptoms than major depression.


• Seasonal affective disorder: Depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically manifesting during fall and winter months.

On the other hand, bipolar disorders involve shifts between high and low mood episodes. Types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I: Characterized by extreme manic episodes followed by severe depressive episodes.


• Bipolar II: Involves less extreme manic symptoms (hypomania) alternating with major depression.


• Cyclothymic disorder: Chronic, mild mood fluctuations between hypomania and depression that don't reach clinical extremes.

While the exact causes of mood disorders remain unclear, research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors likely play a role. Fortunately, various treatment options exist, like psychotherapy, medications, brain stimulation therapies and lifestyle changes.

The compassionate doctors at HormoneHealth Clinic also find that hormone imbalances often aggravate mood issues. We provide cutting-edge hormone replacement therapies to help patients regain healthy hormonal balance and mood stability.