What Are Mood Disorders?
The term “mood disorders” refers to a broad category of mental health conditions in which the primary symptom is a significant disturbance in a person’s mood. While it’s natural for a person’s mood to fluctuate, a mood disorder is a prolonged issue that interferes with a person’s life. Someone with a mood disorder may have difficulty carrying on with daily life.
Types of Mood Disorders
The DSM5 identifies several types of mood disorders, including bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. Some of the most common of these conditions include:
- Bipolar Disorder I & II
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Depression
- Dysthymic Disorder
Treatment for Mood Disorders
There is no known cure for mood disorders. However, there are many effective treatments that help patients manage symptoms and live healthfully. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, needs, and preferences, they may benefit from any combination of the following services:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Couples’ therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Medication management
Many of these services are available through telehealth. Both telepsychiatry and teletherapy have been proven to be effective alternatives to in-person appointments. With telehealth for mood disorders, patients see mental health care providers through secure video conferencing. Doctors and nurse practitioners may prescribe medication, and therapists can use many of the same techniques as they would for in-person patients.