Mood Disorders

Mood disorders include major depressive disorder and conditions like dysthymia and bipolar disorder. If you have a mood disorder, contact Katrina Coulter, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, of Psych Investments LLC in Grapevine, Texas. She uses medication management combined with psychotherapy to help people through their dark days and find joy in life again. Call Psych Investments LLC or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online today to find an effective treatment for your mood disorder.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are a collection of mental health problems that negatively alter your feelings. Mood disorders Katrina treats include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

People with MDD experience intense feelings of despair, shame, worthlessness, guilt, and misery that persist for many months.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Women with PMDD suffer severe mood swings at the same time every month. The condition is linked to fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression that becomes a chronic problem lasting for many years.

Bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder switch between depression and mania, where they become overconfident, reckless, and hyperactive.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a less severe form of bipolar disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

SAD develops in some people when they don’t get enough daylight. In the United States, people with SAD feel worse when the days are short during the winter.

What symptoms are typical of mood disorders?

The common thread that connects mood disorders is depression. When you first develop depression, you might feel low and empty, unable to enjoy activities you used to love and find it hard to sleep or focus. As time passes, negative feelings take over, and you’re powerless to stop them.

Depression can be so distressing that people sometimes turn to alcohol or drugs, hoping to numb their pain. They retreat into a world where everything is dark, bleak, and hopeless; the burden of depression can drive people to suicide.

With some mood disorders, you might experience other feelings at times. For example, if you have bipolar disorder, manic episodes can cause excessive excitability, feelings of invincibility, and risk-taking behaviors.

People with the same mood disorder might experience varying symptoms. For instance, some people might have insomnia, struggling to sleep for more than a few hours a night, while others spend most of their time asleep or napping.

How are mood disorders treated?

Mood disorder treatments are broadly similar, combining talk therapy and medication. However, the approaches may vary depending on your symptoms.

Medications restore balance in your brain chemistry. You might benefit from antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety drugs, and if you have bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers can help.

Talking with a skilled therapist like Katrina helps you understand your feelings. She also supports you with techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), so you can learn how to challenge your negative thoughts.

To experience the benefits of expert mood disorder treatment, call Psych Investments LLC or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.