Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine serving Virginia
Mood Disorders Services Offered Throughout Virginia
Mood disorders represent some of the most common mental health conditions, and in severe cases, they lead to serious complications that disrupt lives. At Vital Health & Integrative Care, Aminata Kamara, FNP, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate, holistic care to patients throughout Virginia. Through the convenience of telehealth appointments, Aminata diagnoses and treats mood disorders in people of all ages. To schedule a virtual appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool today.
What are mood disorders?
Mood disorders affect your emotional well-being, causing a low mood with feelings of sadness and hopelessness, a high mood with excessive energy, or both, depending on the type of mood disorder.
These mood changes affect all aspects of your life, including your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and energy levels.
What are the different types of mood disorders?
Mood disorders are broadly categorized into two groups, with each group including several disorders:
The bipolar and related disorders group includes:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder
The depressive disorders group includes:
- Major depressive disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Though not as common, you can also develop mood disorders due to substance misuse and certain medications and health conditions.
What are the symptoms of mood disorders?
Depressive disorders cause a low mood (without manic episodes). Bipolar disorder causes swings between low (depressive) and high (manic) moods. However, the severity and frequency of bipolar mood swings varies depending on the type of disorder.
The symptoms of a manic episode include:
- Being constantly on the go
- Needing little to no sleep
- Feeling very energized (despite lacking sleep)
- Having uncontrollable, racing thoughts
- Talking rapidly, often switching topics
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as spending sprees or driving while intoxicated
The symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling hopeless, sad, and worthless
- Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Isolating yourself from friends and family
- Eating too much or too little
- Struggling to make decisions
- Feeling anxious or restless
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is different from other depressive disorders. DMDD occurs in children, causing anger and frequent temper outbursts. DMDD behaviors are substantially more extreme than typical childhood temper tantrums.
Children with DMDD are angry most of the day, nearly every day, their verbal and behavioral outbursts occur three or more times weekly, and they can’t function at home and school. These challenging behaviors go on for a year or longer.
How are mood disorders treated?
Aminata provides holistic care, identifying lifestyle changes that improve your mood, providing psychotherapy, and prescribing medication when needed. Psychiatric medications improve your symptoms, while therapy teaches coping skills, prepares you to manage life challenges, and helps you prevent mood swings.
If you need help with a mood disorder, call Vital Health & Integrative Care or book a telehealth appointment online today.
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