Identifying symptoms of mood disorders and their underlying causes

Your mood plays an important role in how you feel about yourself and others. When you’re in a good mood, you’re happier, more optimistic, and generally enthusiastic about life. But when you feel down or angry, you’re more likely to experience anxiety, irritability, and low motivation. It’s normal for people’s moods to fluctuate depending on their circumstances, but significant changes to your mood may be a sign of a mood disorder.

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect people’s emotional states. Unmanaged mood disorders can cause unpredictable highs and distressing lows, contributing to an increased risk of stress, anger, and suicidal thoughts.* There’s no proven way to prevent mood disorders, but learning more about the potential causes and symptoms can empower you to better manage your condition. 

Signs and symptoms of mood disorders

Feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless can be a sign that you have a mood disorder. It’s also common for mood disorders to contribute to low self-esteem, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of self-harm. And while each mood disorder has its own diagnostic criteria, they all typically include symptoms associated with either depressive disorders or bipolar disorders.

Depressive disorders can cause persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Other signs of depressive disorders include:

• Being easily agitated or irritable
• Experiencing constant fatigue or low energy levels
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Isolating yourself from other people
• Having trouble concentrating or completing tasks
• Thinking about self-harm or suicide*

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. Signs of bipolar disorders include: 

• Experiencing intense feelings of euphoria or irritability
• Doing things that put yourself or others at risk
• Speaking rapidly and having trouble sitting still
• Sleeping less than usual without getting tired
• Feeling “on top of the world” or like no one can stop you
• Becoming easily distracted or having trouble focusing

*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.

What causes mood disorders?

National data suggest that mood disorders are somewhat common, with approximately 21% of U.S. adults experiencing a mood disorder at some point in their lives. And while anyone can develop a mood disorder at any time, they’re more frequently diagnosed in people assigned female at birth and people with chronic medical conditions. 

There are several possible risk factors for mood disorders, including: 

• Genetics: Having a family history of mood disorders may increase your risk of developing one. 
• Biology: People with mood disorders sometimes have an enlarged amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for feelings and emotions. Having an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, may also contribute to the development of mood disorders. 
• Environment: Experiencing traumatic or stressful events — like abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one — may cause mood disorders, especially depression. 
• Co-occurring conditions: For some people, health conditions like cancer, chronic illnesses, and substance use disorders may cause or worsen symptoms of mood disorders.

How can you tell which mood disorder you have?

If you’re showing signs of a mood disorder, the best thing to do is meet with a mental health professional. Self-assessment tools can help identify symptoms and mood patterns, but only professionals are equipped to diagnose and treat mood disorders. With mood disorders like bipolar disorder, early intervention may even affect how you respond to treatment.

There are many types of mood disorders, and each has its own diagnostic criteria. Some of the most common mood disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD — also known as depression or clinical depression — is one of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. To be diagnosed with MDD, a person must experience low mood and a loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks. Other symptoms include irritability, hopelessness, and low energy.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

PDD is a less severe form of depression that typically lasts for two or more years. Symptoms can come and go and typically include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. Like MDD, PDD can affect your sleep, eating habits, and overall quality of life.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I involves major depressive episodes and manic episodes, the latter of which are characterized by feelings of intense energy and euphoric mood. Manic episodes must last for at least seven days or be severe enough to require hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II causes both major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, a milder form of mania that lasts four or more days. Bipolar II is less severe than bipolar I and doesn’t typically require hospitalization. 

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymic is a milder form of bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, a person must experience symptoms of hypomania and mild depression for at least two years, with brief periods of “normal mood.” 

Other mood disorders include:

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Postpartum depression (PPD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
• Bipolar disorder unspecified

Find care with Rula

Mood disorders can make everyday situations more challenging. When you’re dealing with periods of sadness, irritability, or anger, it’s tough to focus on your relationships, hobbies, and career. Fortunately, mood disorders are treatable with access to the right resources and support.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of a mood disorder, help is available. Rula’s provider-matching program makes it easier to find a mental health provider — like a therapist or psychiatrist — who’s in network with your insurance and is accepting new clients. With Rula, you can get access to personalized, collaborative care to support your mental health journey as soon as tomorrow.

Get started with Rula today