Mood disorders are mental health conditions that disrupt a person’s emotional state. Experts divide them into two groups: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.
Mood disorders include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and postpartum depression.
Therapy effectively treats mood disorders by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the condition and offering tools and strategies to help manage symptoms.
Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s not unusual for your mood to reflect these shifts. When work, family, and relationships are going well, you may easily feel happy and grateful. And when life takes a downturn, staying cheerful can be difficult.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a bad mood and having an actual mood disorder. It’s normal to feel down occasionally, as everyone experiences changes in their emotions due to factors like stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, and even the weather. These mood shifts are usually temporary and tend to pass. However, mood disorders are characterized by persistent and intense emotional disturbances that last for extended periods and can significantly interfere with daily life and functioning.
For some people, the mood swings last for an extended period, disrupting daily life. If you experience symptoms like intense highs and lows, lack of energy, problems sleeping, and difficulty managing stress, you might have a mood disorder.
Research shows that talk therapy is an effective treatment for depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Finding the right therapy for a specific mood disorder is crucial to address the root cause, maximize effectiveness, and develop effective coping strategies. It’s important to consult with a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the different types of mood disorders?
There are several types of mood disorders. Some of the most common conditions include:
Major depressive disorder (MDD): Also called clinical depression, MDD causes a persistent low mood every day for at least two weeks. People with MDD might experience feelings of guilt, lack of energy, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, appetite changes, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts.*
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Also called dysthymia, this form of depression is less severe than major depressive disorder but involves steady symptoms that can last for years. The main symptom of PDD is a low or sad mood on most days for at least two years in adults and at least one year in children. Other symptoms may include low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This type of depression is related to changes in the season. It occurs most often in the fall and winter months. People with SAD often feel a lack of energy, sadness, and a loss of interest in work or other activities, with symptoms typically improving in the spring and summer.
Postpartum depression: People experience this type of depression during or after pregnancy, typically within the first year following childbirth. Postpartum depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, intense irritability, and (sometimes) thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.*
Bipolar disorder: Intense mood swings and changes in energy, activity levels, and concentration are characteristics of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder may feel “up” and energized when they have a manic episode and sad and hopeless when they have a depressive episode. There are three types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or are so severe that hospitalization is required. Bipolar I can also include depressive episodes that last at least two weeks and, sometimes, a mix of depressive and manic symptoms.
Bipolar II involves depressive episodes — but, rather than full-blown manic episodes, people experience hypomania, a less severe version of mania that doesn’t cause significant impairment.
Cyclothymic disorder is a rare condition involving hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are less extreme and shorter in duration than those seen in bipolar I or II disorder.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or thinking about harming someone else, please call 911.
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What types of therapy can be effective for mood disorders?
Therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication are all viable treatment options for mood disorders, and you may find greater success by combining approaches. The most effective therapy for bipolar and depressive disorders depends on a person’s specific needs and the severity of their symptoms.
The most recommended therapies for bipolar and depressive disorders include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and challenge negative thought patterns to improve the symptoms of bipolar mood swings and depression. It can also help people develop coping skills to manage depression and reduce stressors that can lead to mood instability.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is effective in treating bipolar disorder by teaching people how to manage difficult emotions, reduce impulsive behavior, and practice mindfulness. DBT has also been used to treat major depressive disorder and is used in cases where people haven’t responded to other forms of therapy or medication.
Family-focused therapy (FFT): FFT can be especially useful in treating both depression and bipolar disorders, as well as addressing how family dynamics contribute to mood instability. It teaches family members problem-solving skills and communication techniques to help reduce conflict.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT is designed to help people with mood disorders. It can reduce depression severity in those with bipolar disorder and help people take their medication regularly, regulate their sleep, develop more regular routines, and learn healthy coping strategies. IPSRT is considered an add-on therapy and is often used along with CBT and FFT.
Finding the right therapy for mood disorders
If you think you might have a mood disorder, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional. They will review your symptoms, address any concerns, and provide an official evaluation.
You can also take the online Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a series of questions about mood, behavior, and other symptoms related to bipolar disorder. The MDQ is an effective tool in identifying and distinguishing bipolar disorder from other mood disorders but can’t provide an official diagnosis. Your therapist can administer the test, or you can take it on your own. However, it’s important to discuss your results with a mental health professional to understand their implications and receive a comprehensive evaluation.
A common barrier to seeking treatment for mood disorders is that many people dismiss their feelings, believing they should just ‘push through’ instead of seeking help.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
If you or someone you love has a mood disorder, support is available. Working with a mental health professional trained in mood disorders can help you learn coping strategies, manage symptoms, and receive appropriate care and support.
At Rula, we’re here to help you access supportive, specialized mental healthcare via convenient virtual appointments, without the typical long wait time. In just a few minutes, we can match you with a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in treating mood disorders. With our diverse network of providers, you can begin therapy and start your mental health journey as soon as tomorrow.
Linda Childers
Linda is an award-winning medical writer with experience writing for major media outlets, health companies, hospitals, and both consumer and trade print and digital outlets.
Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, WebMD, AARP, Brain+Life, HealthyWomen.org, The Rheumatologist, California Health Report, Everyday Health, HealthCentral, and many other media outlets.
While juggling the responsibilities of being part of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both her toddler son and terminally ill mother, a nurse friend encouraged her to seek therapy, which helped her to learn coping strategies and manage her depression. Linda hopes her work will help to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage others to get the help they need.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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