MOOD DISORDER TREATMENT
: What are Mood Disorders?
: Depressive Disorders
: Symptoms of Depression
: Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
: Depression & Bipolar Disorder
WHAT ARE MOOD DISORDERS?
Mood Disorders represent a category of mental health conditions where the primary symptom or challenge is in maintaining a stable emotional state. Mood disorders are pervasive, affecting almost one in five individuals at some point during their lives. Women tend to be more affected by mood disorders than men. The most common types of mood disorders are depressive disorders and bipolar spectrum disorders.
DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
Specific examples of depressive disorders include:
- Major depression
- Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia)
- Post-partum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder.
Depression can also be caused by substance use or underlying medical conditions.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
How do you know if you, or someone you love, is suffering from a depressive disorder? The main symptom is a persistently low mood that lasts for at least two weeks. The low mood will often be accompanied by:
- Changes in appetite, sleep, energy, motivation, & concentration
- Thoughts of death and hopelessness
- Poor self-esteem
These symptoms, when severe enough, can significantly impair functioning, making it difficult to work, go to school, exercise, socialize, and participate in enjoyable activities.
BIPOLAR SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Specific examples of bipolar spectrum disorders include:
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Bipolar II Disorder
- Cyclothymic Disorder.
In bipolar spectrum disorders, an individual’s mood fluctuates between periods of low mood and significantly elevated or irritable mood periods, often referred to as hypomania or mania. These mood fluctuations can be accompanied by grandiose thinking, impulsivity, decreased need for sleep, and excessive energy.
The exact cause of mood disorders is unknown but is thought to be a combination of genetic vulnerability and other biological, psychological, and social factors. When mood disorders begin to impact one’s function, it is important to seek treatment, as treatment is available and can help affected individuals with symptom relief and functional recovery.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER RESPOND WELL TO TREATMENT
At ASANTE, we recognize that individuals experience mood disorders differently, and therefore, the treatment also needs to be highly individualized. It can take time to find the proper medications and therapeutic modalities for each person and work with them. The prognosis for recovery is best when patients are closely monitored and supported during treatment and a thoughtful, comprehensive, and integrative treatment plan is implemented.
The treatment plan for mood disorders at ASANTE begins with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment by a board-certified clinician. Extensive psychological testing may also be completed for patients who have struggled with treatment-resistant mood disorders.
After the initial assessment period, an integrative and individualized treatment plan is implemented. This may include a referral for appropriate medication management and individual, group, and family therapy. In addition to medication and therapeutic interventions, we may also incorporate integrative treatment modalities such as exercise, nutrition, mindfulness practices, journaling, massage therapy, and art.
This integration is the foundation of our recovery model, which helps each patient go beyond symptom relief and live a life closely aligned with their core values and goals.
To get more information about how we can help you, call ASANTE at 909-886-3322