Mood Disorders How to Recognize and Treat Them
Medical Opinion
Local identity - “ Dr John ” providing medical advice and facts with the help of WebMD . John is a retired SOS Clinic Manager , Registered RN ICU and a long time resident of Vung Tau , many locals seek his pearls of wisdom .
Mood Disorders How to Recognize and Treat Them
If your emotions and moods seem out of your control over a long period of time , you may have a mood disorder . There are several different types , and all of them can be treated .
Bipolar Disorder This causes extreme mood swings , from depression to emotional highs called mania . During the highs , you have more energy and your thoughts may come quickly -- you may be unusually talkative . You might get a lot of things done , but also might behave in unpredictable , unhealthy ways . These mood shifts can happen only a few times a year or as often as several times a week .
Treatment You may need to see a psychiatrist , who can prescribe medication , along with a psychologist , who focuses on talk therapy to help you deal with problems at work or family tension . Antidepressants , antipsychotics , anti-anxiety medications , and mood stabilizers can treat bipolar disorder . In severe cases , electroconvulsive therapy -- when electric current is passed through your brain -- helps some people .
Persistent Depressive Disorder ( PDD ) This is a form of major depressive disorder where symptoms last at least 2 years . It combines two former types of depression that had been called dysthymic disorder and chronic major depression .
Treatment Talk therapy may help with PDD , too . For example , with cognitive behavior therapy , you learn about your condition and do things to help you understand and change your thoughts and behavior . That might include reflection , meditation , and journaling . Medications can help with PDD as well .
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ( PMDD ) This is like premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) but worse . You might feel sadness , anxiety , irritability , and extreme moodiness in the 7 to 10 days before your period . Doctors aren ’ t sure why some women are affected by this , but it can be linked to depression and anxiety . Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you have PMDD .
Treatment It can help to exercise , stay away from caffeine and alcohol , and eat a healthy diet . Nutritional supplements like vitamin B6 and magnesium may also help , but talk to your doctor first . In severe cases , your doctor may give you antidepressants to take all the time or just between the time you ovulate and have your period .
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Major Depressive Disorder This is also called clinical depression , or simply depression . It ’ s more than having “ the blues ” -- it ’ s long periods of extreme sadness that keep coming back . You may get angry or frustrated easily , or lose interest in things you used to enjoy . Small tasks may seem overwhelming , and you may feel empty , hopeless , tired , and distracted . You also may have trouble with sleeping -- either too much or too little . Some people with major depressive disorder could have some minor manic symptoms but not often enough to call their condition bipolar disorder .
Treatment Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a trained mental health professional ( a therapist ). This is called talk therapy or psychotherapy . You may talk with someone one-on-one , or go to group sessions with other people who have the same condition . Your doctor may also give you medication to help your mood , especially if your symptoms are severe .
Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD ) This may feel a lot like major depressive disorder , but the symptoms are brought on by the change of seasons : It begins and ends about the same time every year . It ’ s most likely to start in fall , continue into winter , and not end until spring . As with other kinds of depression , you may have less energy , feel moody and anxious , and have trouble sleeping .
Treatment Talk therapy or antidepressants may help , and your doctor also might suggest light therapy . That ’ s when you sit or work near a bright light that ’ s similar to natural outdoor light .
Depressive Disorder Due to a Medical Condition Depression , or symptoms of it , are often linked to serious health problems that can affect your mood , such as thyroid disease , some kinds of infections , or brain conditions like Huntington ' s disease or Parkinson ' s disease .
Treatment Your doctor will treat the medical problem that ’ s causing it , but you also may need medication or talk therapy for your depression as well .