What are the Symptoms of Mood Disorder?
October 16, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by disturbances in a person’s mood, which can manifest as persistent emotional extremes. The symptoms of mood disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder, but generally include:
- Depressive Symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities (anhedonia).
- Changes in appetite or weight (either significant weight loss or gain).
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia).
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or thinking clearly.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
- Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms (in Bipolar Disorder):
- Euphoria or an abnormally elevated, expansive mood.
- Increased energy, restlessness, or agitation.
- Decreased need for sleep or insomnia.
- Racing thoughts or a flight of ideas.
- Grandiosity or an inflated sense of self-importance.
- Impulsivity and risky behaviors (e.g., reckless spending, substance abuse, impulsive sexual activity).
- Increased talkativeness or pressured speech.
- Mixed Features (in Bipolar Disorder):
- Experiencing symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence.
- Cyclothymic Symptoms:
- Periods of hypomanic symptoms alternating with periods of depressive symptoms (less severe than major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder).
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia):
- Similar symptoms to major depressive disorder but less severe and more chronic, lasting for at least two years.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
- Depressive symptoms that typically occur during specific seasons, usually fall and winter, and improve in the spring and summer.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD):
- Onset of depressive symptoms following childbirth, which can range from mild to severe.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
- Severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subside with the onset of menstruation.
It’s important to note that the severity, duration, and combination of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Additionally, mood disorders can significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder, it’s crucial to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.