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Mood Disorders
Children, teens, and adults can all experience mood disorders. Two of the most common mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder.
There are many factors that contribute to mood disorders including a imbalance of brain chemicals, stressful life events, and genetics.
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In general, nearly everyone with a mood disorder has ongoing feelings of sadness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and can feel irritable. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years, and can impact quality of life, or functioning daily.
Depression
Depression is a diagnosis that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Depression can impact the way you sleep and eat. As well as how much energy you have to put into your daily responsibilities.
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The following are the most common symptoms of depression. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Feeling sad
Weight and/or appetite changes due to eating too much or eating too little
Changes in sleeping patterns
Loss of interest and pleasure in activities
Increased restlessness and/or irritability
Decreased energy
Feeling of worthless and/or helpless
Lasting feelings of hopelessness
Not being able to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide (Note: People with this symptom should get treatment right away!)
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, and/or chronic pain that don’t get better with treatment
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Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
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Feeling depressed? Schedule an appointment today!
Bipolar Disorder
There are two forms of Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by mania symptoms such as euphoric and/or irritable moods, distractibility, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, and increased energy or activity. During manic episodes, people with bipolar I often engage in risky activities.
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Bipolar II disorder: Is characterized by at least one episode of current or past hypomania (a less severe form of mania), and at least one episode of current or past major depression, but no history of any manic episodes.
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Struggling with Bipolar Disorder? Dr. Comstock can help!