Navigating the process of diagnosing mood disorders

Mood disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions. Unfortunately, they often go misdiagnosed — and studies show that up to 70% of mood disorder cases go undetected in general medical care.

If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder like depression or bipolar disorder, it’s essential to get the right diagnosis from a qualified mental healthcare provider. Here, we’ll explore what you can expect in this process and answer some common questions you might have. 

Why do mood disorders need to be diagnosed?

Just like any other health condition, the first step to getting treatment for a mood disorder is to get a diagnosis and a deeper understanding of your mental health. Without the right diagnosis, you may get treatment that isn’t helpful to you. In some cases, when you’re misdiagnosed, the treatment you receive could actually make your symptoms worse.

By getting the correct diagnosis for your mood disorder, you can connect with support systems and treatment methods that can help you feel better. Although mood disorders are chronic conditions and there’s no cure for depression or bipolar disorder, there are ways to manage symptoms. 

Should I get an official diagnosis? 

It’s not always necessary to receive an official diagnosis for a mood disorder. But getting an official diagnosis can be beneficial in many ways. For example, many insurance plans will only cover your mental health treatment if it’s been shown to be effective for the specific condition that you live with.

In addition, many people find it relieving or validating to get an official diagnosis. Without being diagnosed, you may internalize your symptoms. For example, you may have labeled yourself with unkind terms like “lazy” when you were actually experiencing symptoms of depression.

By getting an official diagnosis, you may get the validation that there’s nothing inherently wrong with you — you’re simply living with a health condition that can be treated. This can help you shift the blame away from yourself and understand the science behind how these conditions can affect your brain and behaviors.

Who can diagnose a mood disorder?

Any qualified health professional can diagnose a mood disorder. This includes:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Primary care physicians
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT)

Although general practitioners can diagnose mood disorders and are often a gateway to mental health treatment for many people, it may be helpful to get a diagnostic assessment from someone who specializes in mental health. Some research has found that mood disorders like bipolar are misdiagnosed up to 93% of the time in general medical care.  

Mental health providers have more specific training and expertise in mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. They may be able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and tailored information about how to cope with your condition.

What about self-diagnosis?

Some people self-diagnose themselves with a mood disorder, which can have some advantages. By learning more about mood disorders and recognizing symptoms in yourself, you may become more likely to take the first step toward getting treatment. But it’s important to prioritize professional treatment. 

Mood disorders are serious and chronic health conditions. Left unaddressed, symptoms can worsen to the point of impacting day-to-day functioning.

Additionally, the symptoms can be hard to identify. You might not recognize the subtle symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder without mental health training. A skilled and qualified healthcare provider can recognize these hidden signs of mood disorders and give you the right diagnosis.

If you’ve self-diagnosed yourself with depression, seek the support of a healthcare provider as soon as you can. Let them know you believe you live with a mood disorder, and share with them any results of self-questionnaires you may have taken. Remember, diagnosis is typically only useful as the first step in treatment.

What to expect in the diagnostic process

The diagnostic process for a mood disorder can differ, depending on your location and the type of healthcare provider you see.

Generally, the provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and compare them to the diagnostic criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the text used to make mental health diagnosis and treatment decisions.

In the DSM, mood disorders are split into two categories: depressive disorders, and bipolar and related disorders.

There are six different types of depressive disorders, each with slightly different diagnostic criteria. In general, to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder like major depression, you must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Changes in sleep and appetite patterns
• Loss of interest in activities

There are five types of bipolar and related disorders, with the most common being bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders. These are characterized by intense mood fluctuations. The exact diagnostic criteria differ between conditions, but they generally include:

• Episodes of depression and mania
• Mood changes that last for specific periods of time
• Significant impairment in daily life

Unfortunately, even when you receive a diagnostic assessment from a qualified professional, misdiagnosis can happen. This can be for many different reasons. For instance, some people with bipolar disorder seek support when they’re in the depths of a depressive episode. The healthcare provider may make a diagnosis of major depressive disorder because they don’t see any signs of mania. But later, when you start to present with signs of a manic episode, they may change the diagnosis to bipolar disorder.

In addition, you may be diagnosed with a mood disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), which is a catch-all diagnosis that’s used when your symptoms are reflective of a mood disorder but don’t neatly fit the diagnostic criteria for any specific one. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may diagnose you with mood disorder NOS as a temporary measure to get you connected to treatment while they get more information about your symptoms to make a more specific diagnosis.

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated by misdiagnosis or changing diagnoses. If you have any concerns about the diagnosis you’ve been given, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to give you more information about why that diagnosis was chosen. Talking to your healthcare provider can also be an opportunity to advocate for yourself.

Five steps toward receiving a diagnosis for a mood disorder 

If you’re looking to receive a diagnosis for a possible mood disorder, following these steps can help you get started.

1. Recognize your symptoms

For many people, their journey toward receiving a mood disorder diagnosis begins with recognizing the signs of a mood disorder within themselves or their behavior. You might recognize the painful emotions of a depressive or manic episode. Or, you may not have noticed the signs yourself, but they’re brought to your attention by loved ones. This is an important sign that you may need additional support. 

2. Make an appointment

Next, you’ll make an appointment with a healthcare provider. If possible, it’s best to see a mental health provider, like a therapist or psychiatrist. But when these types of professionals aren’t available in your area, just seeing your family physician or general practitioner can be effective as well.

If you already have a sense of what mood disorder you may be experiencing, it can be beneficial to see a provider who specializes in this area. For example, if you’re a woman who believes that you have bipolar disorder, try to find a practitioner who specializes in working with women with bipolar disorder.

3. Gather information about your symptoms

Although it isn’t required, it can sometimes be helpful to bring in your own observations of your symptoms to your first diagnostic appointment. For example, try tracking your mood changes over several weeks and remembering information, like when you began experiencing symptoms.

You can also take a mood disorder questionnaire. Although these tests can’t replace a formal diagnosis, they can give you a good starting point to begin working with your provider. 

4. Attend your appointment

During your appointment, your provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. Typically, they will compare your symptoms with the diagnostic criteria of different conditions. Asking you these questions can help them understand what you may be going through and rule out other conditions. The treatment provider may also ask you to take a questionnaire about your experiences, like the Beck Depression Inventory.

Be honest with your provider about all of your symptoms and behaviors, including substance use. They’re not there to judge — they want to understand what you’re going through. It may also be helpful to let them know what you’re hoping for in treatment, like a medication prescription or a referral for therapy. If you are feeling nervous or worried about building up the nerve for this first appointment, it can be helpful to bring a loved one along for support. 

5. Get your diagnosis and start treatment

The healthcare provider might make a diagnosis right away. In other cases, they may diagnose you with a more general condition, like mood disorder NOS, and ask to have another appointment with you to get more information about your experiences. 

They should also make some recommendations and referrals for treatment. If you’re getting your diagnosis through a therapist, you might continue working with them for therapy. If you’re seeing a general practitioner, they may make a therapy or psychiatry referral. It’s important to follow up with any treatment recommendations given to you by your healthcare provider. The diagnosis in and of itself isn’t enough to manage a mood disorder.

If you have any questions or concerns about what the process will look like, ask questions. It’s best to get these concerns clarified early on so you can move forward with confidence. 

Find care with Rula

Receiving a mood disorder diagnosis can result in a variety of emotions from relief to uncertainty. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s the first essential step toward getting the right support and treatment. By recognizing your symptoms, consulting with a qualified provider, and following through with recommended treatment, you’re taking charge of your mental health in a meaningful way. 

At Rula, we’ve connected patients and therapists for millions of successful therapy sessions. Our therapists can meet with you to help you get the right diagnosis and start treatment that works for you and your goals. 

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