Depression & Mood Disorders
Types of Depression
| Persistent Depressive Disorder | Ongoing low level of depression that can include the following symptoms: hopelessness, worthlessness, negative thoughts, low energy, loss of interest, isolation, and changes in sleep or appetite. |
| Major Depressive Disorder | Severe depressive symptoms that occur nearly every day for at least two weeks. |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | Depression that occurs during specific seasons. |
| Bipolar | Extreme mood swings of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Mood swings interfere with sleep, energy, thoughts, judgment, and activities. |
| Cyclothmic | A milder form of Bipolar with less severe mood swings. |
| Disruptive Mood Dysregulation | For children up to 18 years old who experience extreme irritability, anger, and frequent outbursts. |
| Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): | Severe mood and behavior changes before menstruation. |
| Postpartum Depression: | Depression after giving birth. |
Causes for mood disorders: There are many types of mood disorders, and they are the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., as well as the leading cause for disability.
- Biology: Research shows a variety of biological causes for depression, including brain structure, chemical imbalances, and genetics.
- Psycholgoical: life stressors, negative thinking patterns, and lack of skill
- Social: absence of relationships or major changes in relationships.
- Other: substances or sleep disturbance
Who is affected: Data shows that 264 million people live with mood disorders worldwide. It is more common in women and can occur at any age.
Symptoms are often experienced differently across ages and genders. Men tend to be more angry, irritable, and tired, while women have more sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and guilt. Younger children and adolescents may both have problems at school and co-occurring anxiety, while adolescents may engage in risky behaviors and more escalated symptoms. Older adults can become more withdrawn and less likely to seek social situations and medical attention.
Symptoms of Mood Disorders
- Loss of interest
- Appetite changes
- Sleep changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Hopelessness, worthlessness
- Poor concentration
- The severity of symptoms can vary and become major depression.
Treatment for Mood Disorders
The treatment options: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the leading treatment for mood disorders.
- Behavior activation is a type of CBT used for persistent depression.
- Antidepressants can be very effective. There are many options for trials and it is individualized to the person.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is effective for major depressive disorder. It focuses on improving relationships and social functioning. Wise Mind Counseling doesn’t offer IPT.
- Treatment resistant depression may benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
What is Behavior activation therapy (BA): Life stressors naturally cause negative responses for anyone (sadness, critical thoughts, sleep or appetite changes). When persistent depression occurs, there are excessive behavioral responses that are quality of life interfering. This may include severe avoidance of routine, productivity, and meaningful activities. BA is a successful therapy for improving mood by changing ineffective behaviors that are maintaining depression. There are targeted activities that include increasing pleasant events, routine, productivity, socialization, and a values-driven lifestyle.
Components of Behavior activation therapy (BA):
- Identify triggers and natural and excessive behavioral responses.
- Identify values and goals that the person is no longer active in.
- Create a collaborative and diverse list of activities for daily exposure homework (including .
- Address negative cognitions and troubleshoot barriers as needed.
Complementary treatments to CBT: Additional treatments can be added to support individuals during therapy. Mindfulness and self-compassion skills can teach people to come to the present moment and notice judgments, negativity, and urges to avoid without engaging. The skills encourage a gentle mindset, including kindness and understanding while holding oneself accountable to change. DBT skills may be added as needed to tolerate stress and improve relationships.
For more information:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
World Health Organization
Wise Mind Counseling is highly trained and has years of experience treating mood disturbances using CBT and BA.