Key Takeaways
- Mood disorders are mental health conditions that involve long periods of extreme moods.
- An estimated 10% of U.S. adults experience a diagnosable mood disorder each year, with many people facing multiple co-occurring mental health conditions. Depressive mood disorders frequently occur alongside substance use and anxiety disorders.
- Mood disorders can be effectively managed through talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, medication.
In your day-to-day life, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions. You might start a day with excitement and happiness but end the day feeling sad and anxious. For many of us, these mood shifts fade over time.
If you have mood swings that are constant, extreme, and come with symptoms like changes in sleep, sadness, difficulty completing daily tasks, loss of interest, or anxiety, you might be experiencing a mood disorder. Mood disorders are treatable, often through a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and, when needed, medication.
There are several different types of mood disorders, including:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD): Commonly referred to as clinical depression, MDD causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. This form of depression can last for weeks or even months.
- Bipolar disorder: Formerly called manic depression, bipolar disorder causes extreme shifts in a person’s mood, energy levels, activity, and concentration, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks.
- Cyclothymia: This mood disorder is defined by chronic, persistent mood swings. People with cyclothymia fluctuate between feeling slightly manic to mildly depressed.
- Hypomania: A milder form of mania — an abnormally elevated mood — hypomania can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, but it can also be the result of cyclothymia, substance use, sleep deprivation, and some medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): Children or teens with DMDD experience ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A more severe form of premenstrual syndrome, this mood disorder can cause symptoms like irritability, depression, or anxiety that make life challenging in the week or two prior to menstruation. Symptoms resolve once your period starts.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Formerly called dysthymia, PDD is a long-lasting, milder form of chronic depression. While the symptoms are less severe than MDD, the depression is ongoing and can last two years or more.
How are mood disorders treated?
After receiving a formal mood disorder diagnosis, you can work with your provider to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms.
Treatment for mood disorders varies based on the specific disorder and individual symptoms. Mood disorders are most often treated with a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. It’s important to work with a mental health professional to determine if medication is right for your life and circumstances.
Therapy options can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions — especially those involving difficulties with regulating emotions and communicating or connecting with others.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This evidence-based therapy helps people to better understand and manage their intense emotions. DBT is also effective in treating anxiety and depression.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This short-term, structured therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and adapting to significant life events like job loss or divorce. IPT also helps to improve social skills and reduce isolation.
Professional guidance on selecting a treatment approach
Some mood disorders co-occur with other mental health conditions. For example, about 45% of menstruating people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder also live with PMDD, and up to 93% of people with an eating disorder also live with depression.
When mental health conditions co-exist, they can intensify symptoms, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach. Start by prioritizing the symptoms that affect you the most, then partner with a therapist to explore the best therapies for both conditions. Together, you can create a personalized, targeted plan that addresses your unique mix of symptoms.
What self-care strategies can help mood disorders?
While lifestyle changes aren’t a substitute for other treatments, they can complement therapy and medication. Research suggests that adopting healthy lifestyle habits promotes mental health and wellness and can be used to prevent and manage mood disorders.
Examples of self-care strategies to help mood disorders include:
- Physical activity: Studies show that a regular exercise routine can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking or dancing, up to 5 days of the week. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes of movement is found to be beneficial.
- Nutrition: Research has shown that adopting a healthy diet can decrease the risk of mood disorders. Certain eating plans — like the Mediterranean diet that emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) — have been linked to a reduced risk of depression.
- Mindfulness practices: Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help you regulate your emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
- Restorative sleep: Sleep-deprived people report more negative moods, like anger and depression. It is best to aim for at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Consistent sleep can significantly improve mood disorder symptoms and reduce stress.
- Social connections: Being around other people can provide emotional support, resilience, and positive influences. Consider joining an in-person or online support group and connecting with others who share your same diagnosis.
Find care with Rula
Living with a mood disorder can feel like riding a never-ending emotional rollercoaster. If you’re struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression that are impacting your daily life, help is available. A combination of therapy, support, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication can make a big difference in how you feel.
With Rula, you can explore a diverse network of over 10,000+ therapists, including many who specialize in mood disorders and related mental health conditions. With just a few clicks, you can meet with a therapist via live video as soon as tomorrow.
About the author
Linda Childers
Linda is an award-winning medical writer with experience writing for major media outlets, health companies, hospitals, and both consumer and trade print and digital outlets. Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, WebMD, AARP, Brain+Life, HealthyWomen.org, The Rheumatologist, California Health Report, Everyday Health, HealthCentral, and many other media outlets. While juggling the responsibilities of being part of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both her toddler son and terminally ill mother, a nurse friend encouraged her to seek therapy, which helped her to learn coping strategies and manage her depression. Linda hopes her work will help to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage others to get the help they need.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
