Mood Disorders:
Depression and Bipolar Disorders

Overview
If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania).
Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide.
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Cyclothymic disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Depression induced by substance use or medication
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Depression related to medical illness
*For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).
When to Call Sunshine Behavioral Medicine for an Appointment

If you're concerned that you may have a mood disorder, make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.
Talk to a health care professional if you:
• Feel like your emotions are interfering with your work, relationships, social activities or other parts of your life
• Have trouble with drinking or drugs
• Have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — seek emergency treatment immediately
Your mood disorder is unlikely to simply go away on its own, and it may get worse over time. Seek professional help before your mood disorder becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on.
Contact us to schedule your assessment.