Understanding Mood Disorders: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Mood disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people in the United States each year. They go beyond temporary feelings of sadness or happiness and instead involve persistent changes in mood that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
What Is A Mood Disorder?
A mood disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant and persistent disturbances in emotional state. Unlike normal mood fluctuations that everyone experiences, mood disorders involve long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or elevated energy that impair a person’s ability to function. These conditions can affect thought patterns, energy levels, sleep, appetite, and self-esteem.
Types of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders include a range of diagnoses, each with unique symptoms and patterns.
The most common types include:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure, lasting for at least two weeks. Major Depressive Disorder affects approximately 8.5% of adults in the United States each year and can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, and work performance.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode that lasts seven days or more (or requires hospitalization), often accompanied by periods of major depression. Bipolar I disorder affects men and women equally and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, requiring lifelong management with mood stabilizers and therapy.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania but still involve elevated mood and energy. Bipolar II disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depression because the hypomanic episodes may be subtle and patients typically seek help during depressive phases.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic mood fluctuations with numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for major depression. Cyclothymic disorder symptoms must persist for at least two years in adults (one year in children) with no more than two consecutive months of stable mood.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression where symptoms last for at least two years but may be less severe than major depression. Persistent Depressive Disorder can significantly impact quality of life and often coexists with episodes of major depression, creating a “double depression” pattern.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly fall and winter when daylight hours are reduced. Seasonal Affective Disorder is treated with light therapy, psychotherapy, and sometimes antidepressants, with symptoms typically improving as seasons change.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes significant mood changes, anxiety, and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder affects 3-8% of women of reproductive age and can severely disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and work performance.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is a serious form of clinical depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting up to 15% of new mothers within the first year. Postpartum Depression involves persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby, requiring professional treatment and support.
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Signs & Symptoms of A Mood Disorder
The symptoms of mood disorders vary depending on the type but often include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Periods of unusually high energy, decreased need for sleep, and rapid speech (in bipolar disorder)
Risk Factors for Mood Disorders
While anyone can develop a mood disorder, certain factors increase the likelihood, including:
- Genetics: A family history of mood disorders raises the risk.
- Biological factors: Chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, or structural brain differences.
- Trauma and stress: Exposure to abuse, loss, or chronic stress can trigger symptoms.
- Chronic medical conditions: Illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic pain often co-occur with mood disorders.
- Early life experiences: Neglect or adverse childhood experiences.
Causes of Mood Disorders
The causes of mood disorders are often a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Brain chemistry plays a critical role—imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can disrupt emotional regulation.
Genetics can predispose individuals to mood disorders, while stressful life events, trauma, or ongoing medical conditions can act as triggers. In many cases, these factors interact, making it essential to look at the whole picture when developing a treatment plan.
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How Is A Mood Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a mood disorder is a careful and comprehensive process that ensures each individual receives the right treatment for their unique needs. Because mood disorders can share symptoms with other mental health conditions—and even with certain medical illnesses—a thorough evaluation is essential. At The Meadowglade, our clinicians take the time to understand not only your symptoms but also your personal history, lifestyle, and overall health, creating a full picture before making a diagnosis.
The process typically begins with an in-depth mental health evaluation. This may involve:
- A detailed medical and psychiatric history: Gathering information about past diagnoses, hospitalizations, medications, and mental health treatment helps identify patterns and contributing factors.
- A discussion of symptoms: Your provider will ask about the type, severity, and duration of symptoms, along with how they affect your daily life, relationships, and functioning.
- Psychological assessments and questionnaires: These tools provide measurable insights into mood, thought patterns, and emotional regulation, helping to guide diagnosis.
- Physical exams and lab tests: Because certain medical conditions (such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies) can mimic mood disorder symptoms, ruling out underlying health issues is a critical step.
- Review of family history: Genetics play a role in many mood disorders, so understanding family patterns of mental illness can be an important diagnostic clue.
How Is a Mood Disorder Treated?
Treatment is highly individualized, taking into account the type of mood disorder, its severity, and the person’s overall health. At The Meadowglade, we offer an integrative approach that blends evidence-based therapies with holistic support.
Treatment may include:
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR therapy, and family therapy.
- Medication management: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics as prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist.
- Lifestyle changes: Nutrition counseling, exercise programs, and stress reduction therapy.
- Supportive care: Education and career counseling, supportive housing, and young adult treatment programs.
Types of Mood Disorder Treatments
At The Meadowglade, we recognize that no two people experience a mood disorder in exactly the same way. Effective treatment must be personalized, flexible, and designed to address the unique combination of emotional, physical, and environmental factors affecting each individual. That’s why our programs offer a full spectrum of care, from intensive, round-the-clock support to structured outpatient services, ensuring that every client receives the level of care that best meets their needs.
By blending evidence-based therapies, psychiatric expertise, and holistic approaches, we create an integrated treatment experience that promotes both immediate symptom relief and long-term emotional resilience. Whether someone requires the safety and structure of residential care, the flexibility of outpatient services, or a holistic approach to support mind–body wellness, our team provides the resources, guidance, and compassionate care needed for sustainable recovery.
- Medication Management: Prescribed and monitored by our psychiatry team to stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
- Residential Treatment: 24/7 care in a structured environment for individuals who need intensive support.
- Holistic Therapy: Approaches such as equine therapy, mindfulness, and stress reduction therapy to promote emotional balance and resilience.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A highly structured day program offering intensive therapy without overnight stays.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible, comprehensive care for individuals transitioning from higher levels of treatment or needing more support than standard outpatient therapy.
Meet Our Therapists
At The Meadowglade, our team of compassionate and experienced mental health professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health treatment in Los Angeles. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to offer personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Alyssa Bedford, LCSW
Lead Therapist
Matthew Harper, LMFT
Primary Therapist
Jasmine Perkovic, LCSW
Primary Therapist
Mood Disorder Statistics in The United States
Mood disorders are not only common—they are among the most significant public health concerns worldwide. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, often interfering with relationships, careers, and daily functioning. Early onset is frequent, with many mood disorders developing in adolescence or young adulthood. This makes early recognition and intervention especially important, as timely diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.
Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other leading organizations highlight just how widespread these conditions are:
- Major depressive episodes: Approximately 21 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
- Bipolar disorder: Roughly 2.8% of U.S. adults are affected each year, with many experiencing recurring cycles of depression and mania or hypomania.
- Global disability impact: Depression is consistently ranked as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide by the World Health Organization.
- Gender differences: Women are statistically more likely than men to be diagnosed with a mood disorder, though both genders face significant risk and impact.
Heal from Mood Disorders in Los Angeles Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with a mood disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. At The Meadowglade, we specialize in understanding mood disorders and providing personalized, compassionate care that addresses the root causes and supports long-term healing. Our team is here to guide you through every step of recovery, from diagnosis to ongoing support.
Call us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance.
Mental Health Programs
Yj Kim, MD
Psychiatrist
Haroon Burhanullah, MD
Psychiatrist
Narine Babikian, MHA
Executive Director
