Mood Disorder Facts

What are mood disorders?

The term mood disorder is commonly used by health professionals when referencing depression, bipolar and the variety of related disorders that have been defined by the DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the handbook used by health care professionals as the authoritative guide on diagnosing mental disorders.

Common types of mood disorders

Depression: Also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Those suffering from depression often no longer enjoy activities they used to.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: A childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts
Bipolar: Individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe shifts from mania to depression, as well as changes in thoughts and actions. Manic episodes are commonly described as periods of excessive joy or enthusiasm, while depressive periods may cause extreme low energy or hopelessness. To be diagnosed with bipolar, manic episodes need to have lasted at least seven days, and depressive episodes need to have lasted at least two weeks.
Perinatal depression: The collective term for prenatal depression and postpartum depression. Prenatal depression is what some females may experience before a baby’s born and postpartum depression is what some females may experience after a baby’s born.
Persistent depression disorder (PDD): Formerly known as dysthymia, PDD is a long-term form of depression that presents with persistent symptoms for years.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Beginning in late fall or early winter, SAD usually goes away in the spring or summer for those suffering.
Substance-induced mood disorder: A change in the way you feel or think due to taking or not taking a substance such as drugs or alcohol.

Mood disorder symptoms

The symptoms of mood disorders can vary by person and age, but common symptoms include:

Ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety or emptiness
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in appetite and weight
Decreased energy
Increased irritability
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Increased or decreased sleep

If you are feeling unsafe or in crisis, please call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to communicate with a trained professional.

What causes mood disorders and who’s at risk?

A variety of factors can cause someone to develop a mood disorder, including genetics, environmental factors, significant life changes, including trauma and stress, and other medical conditions.

How prevalent are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are the most common cause of hospitalization for all people in the U.S. under age 45 (after excluding hospitalization related to pregnancy and birth). Here are some additional statistics around depression:
More than 19 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide for both males and females.
People of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, but it does affect some groups more than others.
Most often onset of depression is before the age of 30.
Three times more common in girls and increases through adolescence.
30 to 70% of suicide victims suffer from a mood disorder

Mood disorder treatment

Mood disorders can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the severity of symptoms and personal goals. There are different levels of care, including residential care, inpatient care, and specialized outpatient treatment, such as intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).

Types of therapy used in mood disorder treatment

Rogers uses an evidence-based treatment model for all patients. This means we only use methods that have been proven to provide relief for a patient’s symptoms.