Mood disorders, or affective disorders, are a category of mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person's everyday life and functioning. The key feature of mood disorders is a disturbance in mood, which can present as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or fluctuations between extreme highs and lows. The most common types of mood disorders are major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder involves one or more major depressive episodes characterized by at least two weeks of depressed mood and diminished interest or pleasure in most activities. Additional symptoms can include significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Episodes of major depression can occur once, intermittently, or frequently over one's lifetime. When left untreated, major depression carries risks of personal suffering, strained interpersonal relationships, lost work productivity, substance abuse, and suicide. However, with proper treatment such as psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or often a combination, many people with depression can manage their symptoms and live full, meaningful lives. On the other hand, bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts include periods of abnormally elevated or irritable mood known as manic episodes, alternating with depressed episodes similar to those experienced in major depression. Manic states may involve symptoms like a markedly elevated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, impulsive and risky behavior, or delusions or hallucinations in severe cases. Hypomanic episodes involve milder manic symptoms that do not significantly impair function. To meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder, a person must have experienced at least one manic episode, while bipolar II involves hypomania alternating with major depression. As with unipolar depression, psychotherapy and medications can help manage bipolar disorder, while lifestyle balance regarding sleep, stress, substance use, etc. supports mood stability. Regular follow-up care is essential. If you or someone you know struggles with persistent sadness, manic behavior, or extreme mood swings that interrupt daily activities, do reach out to a mental health professional. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards healing and improved wellbeing. Consider contacting Vitality Balance Clinic - our compassionate providers offer cutting-edge lab testing to uncover potential hormonal imbalances underlying mood disorders. We then craft tailored hormone therapy plans involving medications, supplements, lifestyle counseling, and more. Many patients see dramatic improvements within weeks. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation with no obligations whatsoever! In summary, mood disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder involve disruptive disturbances in persistent emotional states. Key symptoms can include excessive feelings of sadness/hopelessness, loss of interest in normal activities, manic highs, angry outbursts, delusions or hallucinations, and suicidal ideation in severe cases. Proper treatment can help manage symptoms and enable stable, fulfilling lives. Reach out for help - you deserve to feel like yourself again! Consider contacting Vitality Balance Clinic if hormone imbalances may be impacting your mood.