Treatment for Mood Disorders in Central Pennsylvania
The phrase ‘mood disorders’ describes the variety of depression and bipolar disorders a person may experience. Because these conditions are often difficult to diagnose upon an initial consultation, it can be helpful to have a set of criteria that encompass and describe significant disturbances in a person’s emotional state.
Someone with a mood disorder has limited ability to regulate their emotions, and this can result in intense emotional swings that can have profound effects on daily life. If you suspect you or a loved one may be dealing with a mood disorder, reach out to our team at St. Joseph Institute. At our facility near State College, PA, we can provide a medical and psychiatric assessment as well as a treatment plan individualized to meet your unique needs.
Types of Mood Disorders
Depression and bipolar disorder are the two most common mood disorders. Other types of mood disorders include premenstrual dysphoric disorder and disruptive mood regulation disorder. Let’s take a closer look at all types of these disorders, most of which are types of depression.
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Symptoms include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels, along with feelings of worthlessness and difficulty concentrating.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): This is a chronic low-grade depression lasting for at least two years. The symptoms are similar to MDD but less severe, persisting over an extended period.
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Cyclothymic Disorder: This is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least two years. The symptoms are less severe than bipolar disorder but more chronic.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a subtype of depression occurring seasonally, often in the winter months. The symptoms are much like those of major depressive disorder but coincide with specific seasons.
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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): PMDD is an extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by severe mood changes including sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, extreme moodiness, irritability, or anger. Symptoms usually start 7-10 days before the start of the menstrual period and continue a few days after the period ends.
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Depressive disorder due to a medical condition: When symptoms of depression are caused by medical issues, treating the medical condition can resolve the mood disorder. Medical conditions commonly related to depressive symptoms include endocrine and reproductive system disorders, Cushing’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease.
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Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: This is diagnosed when symptoms of depression are triggered by a stressor, such as a major life change (including positive changes). The symptoms usually resolve within 6 months, either because the person has adapted to the change or because the stressor is no longer present.
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Bipolar I Disorder: This disorder involves episodes of depression alternating with periods of mania or hypomania. The depressive episodes mirror those of MDD, while manic or hypomanic episodes entail elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep.
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Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder, Other Types: These variations of bipolar disorder involve differences in the severity and recurrence of depressive and manic symptoms. As with depression, sometimes bipolar symptoms are caused by medical conditions and resolve when the condition is treated.
Symptoms of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders exhibit a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration. Common symptoms include:
- Depressed Mood: Persistent sadness, emptiness, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Diminished interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Appetite Changes: Significant weight loss or gain.
- Fatigue and Loss of Energy: Persistent lack of energy and motivation.
- Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Restlessness or slowed movements.
- Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Excessive self-blame and feelings of inadequacy.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired focus and decision-making.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
Please note that if you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available. Call 911 or call or text the Suidice and Crisis Lifeline, 988.
Causes of Mood Disorders
While the exact cause of mood disorders is complex and multifaceted, several factors contribute to their development:
- Biological factors: Brain imaging tests on people with mood disorders have shown an enlarged amygdala, one of the areas of the brain that controls feelings and emotions.
- Genetic factors: If you have a close blood relative with a mood disorder, you are more likely to develop a mood disorder.
- Environmental factors: Chronic stress, major life changes, trauma, loss, and abuse can all put a person at significant risk of developing a mood disorder. Depression can also be caused by chronic illness, as mentioned above.
The Connection Between Substance Use Disorder & Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are emotionally painful to live with. They can make a person feel like they have little to no control over what they will feel, how much they will feel it, and when they will feel it. Often, the intense emotion being experienced is far out of proportion to any trigger. Mood disorders can break down relationships, damage careers, and leave a person feeling so distressed that they question whether life is worth living.
Sometimes, people with mood disorders turn to substances as a way to cope with the pain. Why? Drugs and alcohol work very well to temporarily numb feelings or to cause a sense of euphoria that allows the person to escape from everyday life. Also, because mood disorders are easily confused with a “bad mood” or attributed to difficult circumstances, a person may not understand that they have a condition that could be helped with treatment.
Of course, the problem with using substances to relieve mood disorder symptoms is that substances only temporarily mask pain. Over time, substance use will make the mood disorder worse and may lead to addiction, or substance use disorder. When addiction co-occurs with a mood disorder, treatment must encompass both disorders simultaneously.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a mood disorder, a substance use disorder, or both, know that help is available. Our admissions counselors at St. Joseph are eager to provide you with more information about treatment options.
Treatment Approaches for Mood Disorders
At St. Joseph Institute, we are well-versed in diagnosing mood disorders and developing comprehensive treatment plans. Addressing mood disorders often requires a multimodal approach involving psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support networks.
If your mood disorder co-occurs with addiction, treatment will likely begin with a medical detox to break the chemical dependency. After detox, several options are available: residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. All options include individual, group, and family therapy, as well as education about your disorder and how to prevent relapse.
We also prescribe medications, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, as needed. If addiction is co-occurring, medication-assisted treatment with methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone may be prescribed to help wean the body safely and reduce cravings.
Other aspects of our robust residential program include holistic therapies such as yoga, weekly Tai chi classes led by a licensed therapist, and an aqua therapy bed. We also teach classes about using mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress, pain, and cravings, and provide recreational time where clients can relax in the sauna, hot tub, and endless pool.
Before clients leave our residential or outpatient programs, we help them connect with local resources to continue care and enroll them in our extensive alumni program to receive long-term support from counselors and fellow St. Joseph graduates.
To learn more about what we offer, please contact us today.
