Mood Disorders Specialists

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are psychological conditions that occur when a person’s emotional state does not reflect their circumstances. For example, a person could be depressed when life is going well, or on the other end of the spectrum, a person could feel excited or euphoric when their life is falling apart. Mood disorders include all types of depression and bipolar disorders.

There are many causes that lead to the development of mood disorders, all of them are biological and occur because of an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain. Mood disorders may be influenced by genetics as mood disorders tend to run in the family. Additionally, many environmental factors can have an influence on the development of mood disorders. It is commonly seen that depression or mania is triggered by environmental factors such as stress, medications, major life events, serious illness, and substance abuse.

What are the different types of mood disorders?

There are many different types of mood disorders, although all are all characterized by high and low moods: 

Depressive disorders:

• Major depression: Symptoms include a loss of interest in activities, feeling sad, hopeless, and other depressive feelings that last for at least 2 weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Depressed mood that continues for at least 2 years.
• Psychotic depression: Some form of psychosis (delusions, hallucinations) along with depression.
• Perinatal and postpartum depression: Severe, major depression that occurs during pregnancy or after delivery.
• Seasonal affective disorder: Depression brought on by reduced exposure to natural light during winter months.

Bipolar disorders:

• Bipolar I disorder: Episodes of elevated mood (severe mania) that last at least 7 days, followed by depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks
• Bipolar II disorder: Episodes of depression and hypomania but not total manic episodes.
• Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Episodes of depression alternating with hypomania occurring many times over a period of two years.
• Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders: Symptoms of bipolar that don’t fit any of the types.

Mood disorder related to another health condition: 

• Cancer
• Chronic illnesses
• Infections
• Injuries

Substance-induced mood disorder:

• Caused by alcoholism
• Caused by drug abuse
• Caused by exposure to toxins
• Caused by medicine 

How are mood disorders treated at RobinsPsych?

Mood disorders are usually successfully treated by psychotherapy, which includes support and education, helping the patient to improve their mood, and teaching them how to maintain a better balance. The expert professionals at RobinsPsych realize that each type of therapy requires a different approach depending on the patient and therefore will vary the approach according to your mental health needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you recognize the things that trigger depression or mania and change behaviors to prevent mood swings. Problem-solving therapy focuses on learning to cope with stressful experiences. Interpersonal therapy helps you understand relationships with others, and family therapy explores relationships with relatives.  Call us today at one of our convenient locations at RobinsPsych offices in the Hub, Bronx, NY, and in Columbus Circle, Manhattan, NY.