Mood Disorder Treatment

Living with a mood disorder can be difficult to manage alone. At Aftermath Behavioral Health in Wakefield, MA, we help make this journey manageable. Our team of professionals knows and understands the complexities of mood disorders, offering personalized treatment to help your life stay on track.

Understanding the Types of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are more common than you might think. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report shows that 17.5% of people aged 18-25 had a major depressive episode in the past year. According to a 2023 JAMA journal review, life expectancy is lowered by approximately 12-14 years in people with bipolar disorder.

This indicates an urgency for adequate care for treating mood disorders. Because of the various types of mood disorders, this requires tailored approaches to all. First, let’s look at the different types:

Depression

Depression refers to a persistent low mood that can make daily life more challenging.

Major Depression

Feeling intensely sad and becoming disinterested in hobbies
Persistent Depressive Disorder

Milder but long-lasting and can go on for years
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Occurs during seasonal changes, especially over the winter months
Postpartum Depression

Severe, long-term type that can happen after childbirth.
Depression Related to Medication or Substances

Sometimes, a side effect of certain medications or substance use, like birth control or alcohol, for instance.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorders include major mood swings, from emotional highs, known as mania, to depressive lows.

Bipolar I Disorder

Includes manic and depressive episodes that last at least seven days
Bipolar II Disorder

Hypomania (severe manic episodes) that alternate with depressive episodes
Cyclothymia Disorder

Milder form with less intense mood swings over an extended period
Unspecified Bipolar

Distressing symptoms that don't fit neatly into the other categories

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can manifest this severe form, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Drastic mood swings, irritability, and depression can occur 1-2 weeks before menstruation.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Typically diagnosed in children, this involves persistent irritability and repeated intense temper outbursts. This condition requires professional help to correctly manage as it can’t simply be chalked up to a child being “moody.”

Identifying the Causes of Mood Disorders

There is a vast array of causes connected to the different mood disorders. Usually, causes are a complicated interplay of factors that need professional care to address.

Biological Factors

Your brain chemistry can have a big impact on mood disorders. This is particularly true when the chemicals that carry signals to the brain (neurotransmitters) become imbalanced. An imbalance can cause:

Hormonal shifts like during pregnancy or menopause can trigger mood disorders.

Genetic Factors

If you have a family history of mood disorders, the chance of you developing one is more likely. While it’s not a guarantee, it can make you more vulnerable to certain triggers.

Environmental Factors

Life events can be a turning point that leads to a mood disorder. Some of these include:

Common Symptoms of Mood Disorders

A good first step when getting help is knowing what signs to look out for. Symptoms can be broken up into multiple groups:

Depressive Symptoms

Manic Symptoms

During a manic episode, you might:

Managing and Treating Symptoms

To handle symptoms, a combination of professional treatment and self-care methods is best. Sometimes lifestyle changes, like exercise, can help ease symptoms. Monitoring your triggers and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can also help. The goal is to find a combination of treatments and strategies that work for you.

Treatment for Mood Disorders in Wakefield, MA

At Aftermath Behavioral Health, MA, we favor a holistic approach to make managing mood disorder symptoms achievable. With our mood disorder treatment, you can learn coping skills like mindfulness and stress management. We aim to help you recognize symptoms early and intervene effectively. You can expect:

Treatment Plan

Our experienced team will talk with you about your symptoms, medical history, and life circumstances. Using this information, we create a personalized treatment plan to address your particular mood disorder.

Medication Management

While we don’t offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), we can refer individuals to licensed centers that do. But because we understand that medication may be a vital part of someone’s healing, we can provide medication management, overseen by our qualified practitioners.

Behavioral Therapy and Psychotherapy

Behavioral therapy forms a strong foundation for our treatment approach. We offer various proven therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These help identify and alter negative thought patterns, craft coping methods, and strengthen relationships.

Holistic behavioral therapies, like yoga or art, are also a huge part of treatment. These methods create a relaxing and safe way to work through difficult emotions. Pairing behavioral therapies with traditional talk therapy for mood disorders helps provide all-round care.

Different Levels of Care for Mood Disorder Treatment

We tailor programs to individual needs. This includes the unique stages each individual is at when starting our treatments for mood disorders. That’s why we offer different levels of care to fit each specific situation and lifestyle.

Psychiatric Day Treatment

Our Psychiatric Day Treatment program offers several hours a day, five to seven days a week of intensive care. This support allows individuals to return home in the evenings. Through skill-building, therapies, and group sessions, individuals can learn valuable coping skills. This program is perfect for those who don’t need 24/7 monitoring.

Intensive Psychiatric Outpatient

The Intensive Psychiatric Outpatient program provides structured care without disrupting daily responsibilities. This involves several therapy sessions each week, such as individual, group, and family therapy. For those taking a step down from higher levels of care, this can be a helpful program.

Mental Health Outpatient

Our Mental Health Outpatient program has ongoing support and therapy that’s only a few times each week. This program is the most flexible, with therapy available on weekends and evenings. For those who just need a little extra guidance during their recovery journey, this is ideal.

Call Aftermath Behavioral Health for Mood Disorder Treatment

Living with a mood disorder can feel emotionally overwhelming and physically draining. At Aftermath Behavioral Health, we can provide compassionate, curated care that addresses individual needs and goals. Our team uses evidence-based and wellness methods to give you a comprehensive approach to improve your mental health. To learn more about our mood disorder treatment programs, reach out today.

FAQs About Mood Disorder Treatment

What Are the Most Common Mood Disorders?

The most common mood disorders are major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorders.

How Are Mood Disorders Diagnosed?

Diagnosis for mood disorders involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. This often includes a detailed interview and sometimes psychological tests.

How Can I Support Someone With a Mood Disorder?

To help a loved one get through the tough times, you can offer emotional support, encourage professional help, and learn about their condition. This helps you understand what they’re going through and shows them that they have you there for them.

What Is the Best Treatment for Mood Disorders?

A combination of psychotherapy and behavioral methods helps ensure a mood disorder is treated thoroughly. It addresses mental, physical, and emotional health effectively. Since treatment should be tailored for the best outcome, sometimes medication may be included if deemed necessary.

Do Mood Disorders Go Away With Treatment?

Mood disorders are often chronic. Luckily, proper treatment can significantly lessen symptoms. This gives individuals a better quality of life through valuable coping skills and symptom management.