Mood Disorders

Mood disorders affect almost 10% of adults in the United States each year. If your moods are a rollercoaster and negatively affect your daily life, turn to HC Mental Health & Wellness in Florida, or DC. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Hawley Campbell, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, diagnoses and treats these disorders to stabilize your mood and optimize your well-being. Schedule a telehealth evaluation by calling the office or booking online today. 

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are mental health conditions characterized by changes in your emotional state. They can cause sadness, extreme happiness, and/or severe mood swings. You might also be irritable or angry because of a mood disorder. Examples include bipolar disorder and depression. Treatment with Hawley at HC Mental Health & Wellness offers lasting relief.

What are the different types of mood disorders?

Examples of different types of mood disorders include:

• Depression: ongoing or extreme sadness
• Postpartum depression: depression during or after pregnancy
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): sadness during certain times of the year
• Persistent depressive disorder: chronic depression lasting at least two years
• Depression with psychosis: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Bipolar disorder: severe mood swings that range from depression to being overjoyed
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): depression before menstruation in women
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): frequent angry outbursts

Anxiety disorders commonly exist along with mood disorders. 

Which symptoms can mood disorders cause?

The following are symptoms of mood disorders:

• Frequently feeling sad
• Hopelessness
• Feeling worthless
• Lack of energy
• Extreme mood swings
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Problems focusing
• Thoughts of suicide
• Restlessness
• Rapid or slowed speech
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Risky behaviors
• Racing thoughts
• Insomnia 

The cause of mood disorders isn’t fully understood, but it may stem from genetics and/or environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, abuse, or a chronic illness or disease.

How are mood disorders diagnosed?

Hawley can diagnose a mood disorder by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. She uses DSM-5 criteria to assess your emotions, thoughts, moods, and behaviors. HC Mental Health & Wellness also uses GeneSight® testing to learn which medications you might be a candidate for based on your genetic makeup. 

How are mood disorders treated?

Treating mood disorders at HC Mental Health & Wellness may consist of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other forms of therapy with Hawley.

She may suggest making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, staying active, maintaining social connections, getting more sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and trying stress-reduction strategies like yoga or meditation. Hawley follows up to ensure your treatment is effective.

Schedule a virtual mood disorders evaluation with Hawley at HC Mental Health & Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.