Mood disorders are common mental health conditions that can affect anyone. Living with a mood disorder means dealing with changes in mood, energy, and outlook. But there are effective treatments that can help.
At Summit at Harmony Oaks in Chattanooga, TN, we offer many treatment options to support people with mood or personality disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling, you can find help at Summit.
About Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that cause intense and long-lasting changes in mood, energy, and outlook.
Unlike normal ups and downs, these shifts in moods can interfere with daily life, making it hard to work, connect with others, or stay motivated.
While mood disorders are challenging, recovery is possible. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, our personalized treatment programs help people find balance and reclaim their lives with the right support and care.
What Are the Causes of Mood Disorders?
There is no single cause of mood disorders. Usually, it’s a mix of several factors. Family history plays a role. If a family member has a mood disorder, it may increase the chances of you developing one. Life events, like trauma or loss, can also trigger mood disorders.
Health conditions, like thyroid problems or chronic illness, may make a person more vulnerable, too. Sometimes, mood disorders are linked to low levels of chemicals in the brain, like serotonin. Knowing these causes helps create a treatment plan that meets each person’s needs.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Mood Disorders?
Anyone can develop a mood disorder, but some people are at higher risk. Risk factors include having a family history of mental illness, going through trauma, or living with substance use disorder.
Certain life stages, like adolescence, can also bring challenges that may lead to mood disorders.
Some personality traits, like introversion or a tendency toward pessimism, may also increase the risk. Understanding these factors is important, because it can lead to early support and treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders have a range of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of depression and other mood disorders:
- Persistent sadness or feeling empty
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Changes in appetite, sometimes leading to weight gain or loss
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Low energy or fatigue
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Racing thoughts or feeling overly excited during manic episodes
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of mood disorder. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Types of Mood Disorders Treated at Harmony Oaks
Summit at Harmony Oaks provides treatment for a range of mood disorders, each requiring a tailored approach to meet specific needs. Here are some of the primary types we address:
- Major depression: Also known as major depressive disorder, this type involves persistent sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in daily activities. People with major depression may feel fatigued, struggle to concentrate, and have difficulty making decisions.
- Bipolar disorders: Bipolar disorders include bipolar I and bipolar II. They cause mood swings that range from intense depressive episodes to high-energy periods called manic or hypomanic episodes. Bipolar I has more severe mania, while bipolar II involves milder highs, known as hypomania.
- Substance-induced Mood Disorder: This mood disorder is triggered by the use of substances like drugs or alcohol. Symptoms can mimic depression or mania and may worsen with continued substance use. Treatment includes addressing both the mood disorder and any substance use issues.
- Other types: Other mood disorders include persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), which is a long-lasting but milder depression; seasonal affective disorder (SAD), typically triggered by seasonal changes and lower sunlight; and cyclothymia, a milder version of bipolar disorder with less intense mood changes.
Each type has different symptoms and needs a special treatment plan. Healthcare providers such as psychiatrists and doctors play a key role in diagnosing mood disorders. They can help patients access effective treatments and support for psychiatric disorders.
Most Insurance Accepted
As a member of the Harmony Health Group family of treatment programs, we are able to work with many private insurance plans.
Verify InsuranceSide Effects & Complications of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders can lead to complications if left untreated. People with these disorders may experience physical health issues, like high blood pressure or weakened immunity.
Certain medications, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers such as lithium, may cause side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, or weight gain.
Psychiatry professionals carefully monitor these treatments to help manage side effects and adjust dosages as needed.
Mood disorders can worsen anxiety disorders and lead to substance use issues as some people try to self-medicate. Severe depression can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, making treatment essential.
Mood Disorder Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
At Summit at Harmony Oaks in Chattanooga, TN, we offer various treatment options to help people with mood disorders manage symptoms and feel better.
Each treatment plan is created with the individual in mind to meet specific needs. Our goal is to support people in finding stability and building a fulfilling life.
For those with severe mood disorders, inpatient treatment may be the best option. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, our inpatient program provides 24-hour care in a safe, structured setting.
Patients receive support from a mental health professional team, including therapists and counselors, who offer focused, intensive care.
Outpatient programs are available for people with milder symptoms or who can manage daily tasks but still need regular support. Patients attend therapy sessions a few times a week, either individually or in groups.
Summit at Harmony Oaks outpatient care allows people to continue their daily lives while getting the support they need. Family members can also be involved, which helps build a strong support network at home.
Many people with mood disorders also struggle with substance abuse. We treat both problems at the same time. This helps people feel better and live healthier lives.
This helps people get to the bottom of both problems, making them feel better and helping them stay healthy in the long run.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one way to do this. It helps people change their thinking and actions, so they can cope better and build strong support systems.
Therapies for Mood Disorders at Summit at Harmony Oaks
At Summit at Harmony Oaks, we offer various therapies to help people with mood disorders find relief and stability. Here are some of the main therapies used:
CBT helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts that affect their mood. This form of talk therapy teaches skills to manage emotions and deal with life’s challenges more positively. Many find it useful for creating healthy coping strategies.
Group therapy and support groups allow people to share their experiences with others who understand. This setting creates a sense of community and support, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and help people feel connected.
Family therapy brings loved ones into the healing process, helping to improve communication and support. Individual therapy provides private, one-on-one sessions to set personal goals and build coping skills tailored to each person’s needs.
For those who have experienced trauma, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can help. EMDR helps process traumatic memories, making them less painful and reducing their impact on mental health, which can improve overall mood stability.
Alternative therapies like yoga, adventure therapy, and music therapy support emotional well-being. Yoga combines physical activity with mindfulness to relieve stress.
Adventure therapy involves outdoor activities that build confidence, while music therapy allows for emotional expression and relaxation.
Focusing on overall wellness — like practicing mindfulness and regular exercise — can complement therapy and improve quality of life for those with mood disorders.
Start Mood Disorder Recovery at Summit at Harmony Oaks
Contact UsRecovering from a mood disorder is possible with the right support. At Summit at Harmony Oaks, we are dedicated to helping people find peace, stability, and joy.
Contact our Summit at Harmony Oaks team today to start the journey toward recovery. With a wide range of treatments, we help each person build a plan to reclaim their quality of life.
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, dial 988 for the National Crisis Lifeline.
Mood Disorder Treatment Program FAQs
The most effective treatment often combines psychotherapy and medication. CBT and antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) can be effective for mood disorders.
For treatment-resistant depression, options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be recommended.The most effective treatment often combines psychotherapy and medication. CBT and antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) can be effective for mood disorders.
Inpatient treatment is best for those with severe symptoms or who struggle to manage daily life. If mood swings or depression affect work, school, or personal safety, inpatient care provides a safe space to focus on recovery.
Mood disorders may not fully go away, but people can manage them successfully. Many find that a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes helps them lead a full, healthy life.
Sources
- National Library of Medicine. “Mood Disorder”. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558911/#:~:text=These%20include%20bipolar%20disorder%2C%20cyclothymia,increase%20in%20morbidity%20and%20mortality. Accessed on October 30, 2024.
- Medical News Today. “Is there a cure for bipolar disorder?”. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324349. Accessed on October 30, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. “Mood disorders”. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mood-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20365057. Accessed on October 30, 2024.