Mood Disorder Treatment in Wellesley
A mood disorder is a medical condition characterized by elevated and lowered moods.
Most people feel sad or irritable from time to time. They may say they’re in a bad mood. A mood disorder is different. It affects your everyday emotional state, disrupts your daily life, and is persistent over time.
Our team of dedicated and experienced mental health professionals, including independently licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, is committed to delivering personalized, convenient, and cost-effective care to individuals seeking support for mood disorders.
Our affiliated clinicians provide comprehensive treatment options, both in-person at our offices located in Wellesley, Longmeadow, Weymouth, and Arlington, MA, as well as through telehealth services. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of mood disorders such as depression, we encourage you to take the first step towards healing by requesting an appointment on our website or reaching out to our offices today at (781) 431-1177. Schedule an appointment with us, and let us help you on your journey towards improved mental well-being.
What Are the Main Types of Mood Disorder?
Though there are many different subtypes, the clinicians will use clinical language to describe disordered mood symptoms, which commonly include:
- Depressive – characterized by overall depressed mood. If you have depressive symptoms, negativity can impact your whole being. You are may feel apathy, general discontent, loss of interest, mood swings, or overall sadness. In addition, you may have thoughts of suicide, problems sleeping, feel excessively irritable, socially isolated, and restless.
- Manic – characterized by elevated moods, high energy, and euphoria. You may find yourself talking rapidly, becoming regularly distracted, using poor judgment, acting on impulse, or making reckless decisions.
- Bipolar – cycling between both depressed and manic moods, also sometimes known as manic depression. If you have extreme periods of depression and mania, your sense of reality may be distorted.
Mood disorders can vary in intensity and severity, so there are other names, types, and specifiers for these disorders based on your particular symptoms.
How Common are Mood Disorders?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 20 percent of adults in the United States experience a mood disorder at some time in their lives. Depression was reported in over 18 percent of the population with bipolar disorder affecting over 4 percent of US adults.
Mood disorders can be difficult to diagnose and treat, so many continue to be educated about the symptoms of mood disorders and the treatment available.
What Causes Mood Disorders?
No one knows the exact causes of mood disorders, but a variety of factors seem to contribute and they tend to run in families.
Possible causes include:
- Specific genes
- Family history
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Early childhood experiences like
- Neglect
- Abuse
- Trauma
- Stressful life events like
- Death
- Divorce
- Trauma
- Job loss
- Financial problems
What is the Treatment for Mood Disorders?
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is an evidence-based, effective treatment method used by many mental health care providers.
Certain types of psychotherapy, for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has found widespread acceptance in the treatment of depression, and it can be effective in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
This therapeutic method can be implemented across a variety of mental illnesses, and its ultimate goal is to bring about improvements in your health. You can learn tools to use and strategies to cope with mood disorders when they occur.
You can be taught about mood disorders and try to recognize patterns of behavior and thought. Psychotherapy is often focused on changing thought patterns and behaviors.
Medication is also available as a treatment option for mood disorders and usually involves antidepressants–to treat depression–and mood stabilizers–to treat bipolar disorders. These medications help to balance brain and body chemistry, minimize the risk of relapse, and curb the severity of symptoms. Often, medication is most effective when used in combination with ongoing psychotherapy. Talk to your clinician to see if medication is the best route for your mood disorder.
When Should I Contact Colony Care For a Mood Disorder?
It may be difficult to determine if your mood is just part of everyday life, or something more serious. If you have questions about your mood and possible mood disorder, it is best to seek help and advice from a professional.
The first step is an evaluation to help you find the answers you deserve. It can be difficult, especially for those with bipolar disorder, to recognize the instability and how it is disrupting your life or those you love. Your cycles may go from euphoria and emotional crashes that leave you feeling worn out.
Depression can take its toll on your body, mind, and spirit. It can become a life-threatening condition if you do not seek help.
Often, psychotherapy or proper medication can make all the difference. Typically, these conditions don’t just go away or get better on their own.
If your mood is interfering with your family, work, or everyday life, you should seek professional help. Millions of people experience mood disorders and are successfully treated, helping them live a better quality of life.
If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Is Your Mood Disorder Impacting Your Quality of Life?
Request an appointment on our website or call our office today at (781) 431-1177. Schedule an appointment with us, and let us help you on your journey towards improved mental well-being.