Mood Disorders

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in a person's emotional state, resulting in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

These disorders involve disruptions in mood regulation, leading to persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or fluctuations between extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

What are the different types of mood disorders?

There are several different types of mood disorders, each characterized by distinct patterns of mood disturbances and associated symptoms. They include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

MDD is defined by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with additional symptoms such as changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, sleep disturbances, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty with focus or concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Bipolar disorder

This condition involves recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania (periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity) alternating with episodes of depression.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression characterized by milder but long-lasting depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.

Cyclothymic disorder

This disorder involves chronic fluctuations between periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.

Other specified and unspecified depressive disorders

These disorders don’t meet the full criteria for specific disorders outlined above but still cause significant distress or impairment.

How are mood disorders treated via telehealth?

Treating mood disorders via telehealth involves utilizing telecommunications technology, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or a secure messaging platform, to provide mental health services remotely. 

The Telepsych 4 You team offers telehealth services for mood disorders, which may include medication management, psychotherapy sessions, and supportive interventions. 

They may also offer online resources, educational materials, and peer support groups to help you manage your mood disorder symptoms and improve your overall well-being. 

Telehealth can be particularly beneficial if you have difficulty accessing traditional in-person mental health services due to geographic location, mobility issues, or other barriers. 

You can also rely on Telepsych 4 You to adhere to privacy and security standards to protect the confidentiality of your information.

To learn more about mood disorders or to schedule an evaluation, call or book a telehealth appointment online today.