What Are The Signs of a Mood Disorder?

It's not wise to take mood disorders lightly. In fact, they are mental illnesses and can be serious conditions. Dismissing someone as “moody” isn’t a solution. Recognizing the signs of a mood disorder can help better equip you in getting yourself—or someone you care about—the help that is needed. A mood disorder can affect a person’s ability to function in their everyday life. This can affect important work, school, and family commitments. Are you experiencing extreme and consistent mood swings that disrupt your life? If so, it’s time to seek the help of professionals. Contact an accredited treatment facility to understand the signs of a mood disorder and what your mood disorder treatment options are.

What Is a Mood Disorder?

If you—or a loved one— are experiencing extreme moods or emotional states, then you are suffering from a mood disorder. This mood disorder may also have a connection to a substance use disorder. Those who abuse drugs and alcohol also commonly suffer from mental health concerns. Alternatively, a mental health disorder can cause people to turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.

Moods can range from the lows of sadness and anxiety to the highs of the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. These are serious medical conditions that need the help of mental health professionals. Mood disorders are caused by a number of different factors, including family history and environmental factors.

Some of the most common mood disorders include:

• Bipolar disorder – Those suffering from this disorder exhibit both very high and very low moods, sometimes without warning.
• Substance-induced mood disorder – As it sounds, these mood swings are brought on by the use—and abuse—of drugs or alcohol.
• Major depressive disorder – This is characterized by consistent sadness with a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, as well as difficulty concentrating.
• Cyclothymic disorder – This is similar to bipolar disorder, but people with this disorder do not experience mood swings as extreme.
• Dysthymic disorder – This is the most chronic depressive disorder, with symptoms lasting for longer periods of time than other disorders.

Signs of a Mood Disorder

Identifying the difference between someone feeling down and the true symptoms of a mood disorder can be tricky. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, then seek professional help as soon as possible.

• Lack of concentration – Trouble paying attention and focusing can signal a mood disorder.
• Severe mood swings – This means the highs and lows are extreme and consistent.
• Easily irritated – Feeling annoyed or put off by the little things.
• Lack of interest – If you no longer want to participate in things you used to love doing, this could be a red flag.
• Changes in diet – Extreme weight loss or gain can be a signal.
• Irregular sleep – If changes in sleep patterns are apparent, talk about them with a health professional.

Treatment Options At San Antonio Recovery Center

If you are suffering from a mood disorder, the most important thing is to know that help is available. Mood disorders are completely treatable. However, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs if you don’t know what to look for. At San Antonio Recovery Center (SARC), we also treat substance use disorders where a co-occurring mental health concern—like a mood disorder—is common. To help with this, we offer dual diagnosis treatment options so that we can treat each disorder simultaneously. This holistic approach has proven more effective than treating the disorders separately, and with less risk of relapse. A combination of experiential and more traditional therapies is used in treatment plans customized for each individual person.

A complete evaluation is performed upon arrival to help craft each person’s individual treatment plan. Residential and outpatient programs are available at our campuses in San Antonio.

At SARC, our team can treat a mood disorder alongside a substance use disorder as part of a dual diagnosis treatment plan. Contact us today at 866.957.7885 to learn more.